Matthew 12:34b -- 37

"...For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

The world says talk is cheap. God says talk is our heart, speaking. The world says, "Sticks and stones...." The Bible says talk is so reflective of the heart's condition that men's judgment before God will have their words as a basis for entering heaven or hell. Will we take God seriously?

"But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ" --Ephesians 4:15.

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear." -- Ephesians 4:29.

"...and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks." -- Ephesians 5:4.

"Oh, Father, forgive for times our tongue does not give grace to those who hear... but rather cuts deeply with a critical spirit, thereby grieving Your gracious Spirit of love. Grant grace and humility to go to those we've offended with hurtful words, or appalled with coarse jesting, or insulted with arrogance, and seek to make things right. May Your Name be glorified in reconciliation.
Restore resolve to fill our hearts with that which is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, in order that our mouths will speak of such as well. Cause our thoughts to be filled with Your Word, Father, so that our speech is sweetened by interweaving your Truth into our conversations... assured that it will not return to You empty, without accomplishing what You desire, and succeeding in the matter for which You send it. May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing and acceptable in Your sight, O blessed Father.
In the Name of Your Son, the Lord Jesus,
Amen."