Not the mind but the heart. Not the pumper of blood but the holder of treasures. The source of emotions and ultimately actions. The heart is a treasure store. Humans store things in the treasure of their hearts and then they act according to what they store.

The heart also influences our speech. “The things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart” (Matt. 15:18). “…for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart” (Luke 6:45).

The heart is capable of storing good things as well as bad things. When evil is in the heart then the speech and the actions will be evil. Hear Jesus on this, Matt 15:18-20  “But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.”

Where do bad words originate? In the heart. Where does cursing of others come from? The heart. Where do the lies come from? The heart. “Where do cutting words come from? The heart. What comes out is what has been treasured. Evil in, evil out. Simple.

Where do good words originate? In the heart. Where does blessing of others come from? The heart. The truth? Heart. Words of comfort and encouragement? Heart. It’s what we store. Our treasury was once empty and then we filled it.

We gather treasure day by day and then we store it in our heart. Want to know what’s in your heart? Listen to your speech, reflect on what your mind dwells on. The heart is that which responds not necessarily what is thought out. The heart produces the quick answer, the instant response. That’s why we have to be careful what we put in our heart’s treasury.  Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to watch (or guard) our hearts because everything we do comes from it.

What are you feeding your heart today? It may show up tomorrow.