What kind of heart do you have? People can tell a lot about your heart simply by listening to you speak.

Harsh speech comes from an angry heart.
Negative speech is often a result of a fearful heart.
Being overreactive in your speech comes from an unsettled, unsure heart.
Boasting speech indicates an insecure heart.
Prideful words come from a haughty, self-centered heart.
Filthy speech is a sign of an impure, immoral heart.
Critical speech is usually the result of a bitter heart.

All of these thing are hurtful and destructive. We've all heard the saying "Hurting people hurt people." And unfortunately, the ones who are hurt the worst are usually the ones we love the most, not the ones who caused our own hurt.

On the other hand, encouraging speech results from a heart full of grace.
Uplifting words come from a a humble heart.
Gentle, loving speech comes from a gentle, loving heart.
Truthful, earnest speech is the result of an honest heart.
Pure words come from a pure heart.
Words of healing come from a forgiven heart.
Helpful, instructive words come from a heart that is wise.

Think about what people will hear when you speak. It is what is in our hearts that comes out when we speak. When we fill our hearts with the truth of God's Word, when we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts, He can change the hurtful, destructive things in our hearts into the good, pure, and loving, things of God. It is a choice we can make, every day, to allow our hearts to be filled by God or filled by the negative things of the world. We can choose to hold onto our own hurt and hurt others, or allow God to heal our hearts so we can love others.

So, what kind of heart do you have?