It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person. – Matthew 15:11
In God’s plan for the human body, the beneficial foods you eat are used for energy and other functions, while the unproductive are eliminated. What you feed your mind comes via what you read, hear, watch, the games you play, and the people you associate with. Recognizing the harmful influences on your life may be more challenging than identifying unhealthy foods. The “elimination“ of what is bad from your thoughts may come out through insulting words or destructive attitudes, such as jealousy, selfishness, quarreling, or pride. “What comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person” (Matthew 15:11).
Paul directs you to fill your mind with the things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. “If there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8). Listen to, read, and study Scripture. This will help you to think healthy thoughts, as well as guide you to recognize God’s way of living. His Word is your constant reference, transforming your heart to be receptive to His direction and enabling you to determine those who will be influences for good. Pray for the Lord to guide public servants as well, as they represent their constituents in halls of government.
Today’s Verse: Matthew 15:11
11 it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Isaiah 1:12-20
“When you come to appear before me,
who has required of you
this trampling of my courts?
13 Bring no more vain offerings;
incense is an abomination to me.
New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations— I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly.
14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts
my soul hates;
they have become a burden to me;
I am weary of bearing them.
15 When you spread out your hands,
I will hide my eyes from you;
even though you make many prayers,
I will not listen;
your hands are full of blood.
16 Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean;
remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes;
cease to do evil,
17 learn to do good;
seek justice,
correct oppression;
bring justice to the fatherless,
plead the widow’s cause.
18 “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord:
though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red like crimson,
they shall become like wool.
19 If you are willing and obedient,
you shall eat the good of the land;
20 but if you refuse and rebel,
you shall be eaten by the sword;
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
