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Matthew 15:11 (BSB)
A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.”
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.”” — Matthew 15:11
Imagine you’re sitting at a table filled with delicious food, and someone tells you that what you eat could make you a bad person. It sounds ridiculous, right? This verse is spotlighting an eye-opening truth: it’s not the food you consume that makes you unclean or 'bad,' but rather the words and intentions that come out of your mouth. Think about it—your words reflect who you are deep down. They can build people up or tear them down, and that’s what really matters. Your words have power, and they reveal your heart. So, let’s focus on what’s coming out of us rather than what’s going in!
This book was written by Matthew, one of Jesus’ close followers who was also a tax collector before following Him. Matthew’s perspective is unique because he came from a background that was often looked down upon by society. He was all about showing how Jesus changed lives and how His teachings challenged the status quo. By including this detail about words and their impact, Matthew highlights the heart of Jesus’ message—one that invites everyone, even those on the fringes, to reevaluate what really matters in life.
This was written in a time when the Jewish people were grappling with strict laws and traditions handed down over centuries. The culture placed great emphasis on ritual cleanliness and following the rules to please God. Social status, especially for someone like Matthew, was tied to how well you followed these customs. Writing this in that context was revolutionary! Jesus was saying that the old ways of thinking were outdated and that real purity comes from within—this was a huge shift in understanding what it means to connect with God and with others.
This verse hits home today because it challenges you to think about your words. In a world where people can be quick to judge based on appearances or actions, Jesus is reminding you that what you say and how you say it matter more than any surface-level detail. Your words can hurt or heal, and they reflect your true self. This means you have the power to choose kindness, honesty, and love in your conversations. It encourages you to take a moment to think before you speak, because what comes out of your mouth can either lift someone up or bring them down. That’s a big responsibility and a beautiful opportunity!
This week, focus on being mindful of your words. Before you speak, ask yourself: 'Is this helpful? Is it kind? Is it true?' Try to replace any negative comments or gossip with positive affirmations or encouragement. You could even write down three people you want to uplift and think of something nice to say to them. This simple practice can transform your interactions and help you live out the truth of this verse in a practical way.
In this chapter, tensions are high as Jesus faces off against the religious leaders who are more concerned with rules than with compassion. They challenge Him about why His followers don’t follow certain eating customs. Jesus, instead of getting defensive, flips the script. He points out that the real issue isn’t about what’s on your plate but what’s in your heart. This moment is pivotal because it showcases the clash between rigid traditions and the deeper, heart-centered truth that Jesus embodies. By declaring that it’s our words, not our meals, that define us, He sets the stage for a radical new understanding of what it means to be truly clean or unclean.
How do your words reflect what’s in your heart, and what can you do this week to ensure they come from a place of love and kindness?
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