The Importance of Words and Thoughts

Mike Johnson

(Psalm 19:14)

Psalm 19:14 says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”

This verse is at the end of a magnificent Psalm.  In verses 1-6, the writer spoke about the heavens declaring the glory of God and the firmament showing His handy work.  Through natural revelation, one can realize there is a God.  In verses 7-11, he spoke about special revelation, which pertains to God’s written message where the writer talks about the God.  Then in verses 12-14, in response to the first two concepts, he looked inwardly, turning to God in prayer, asking for forgiveness.

Looking at verse 14, we see it is essential to be “acceptable” to God.  One way we make ourselves acceptable is by using our tongue in such a way as to be pleasing to Him.  We can commit sins with our tongue by lying, using profanity, and engaging in gossip, etc. James 3:5 reveals, “… the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!  Proverbs 21:23 warns, “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.” In Colossians 4:6, Paul admonished, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

Further, our thoughts, (meditations) must be acceptable.  It is essential to note in verse 14 how the Psalmist mentions words and thought but not deeds.  Why is this?  Perhaps it is because he dealt with deeds earlier.  However, verse 14 does stand independent in this respect.  The “meditation of my heart” is inclusive of acts.  It is essential to realize that thoughts of the heart are the source from which actions spring. In Mark 7:20-23, Jesus said, “…What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” (Note also Phil. 4:8.) If a person keeps his heart pure, he will not have so many problems with his deeds. It has been said, “We are not always what we think we are, but we are always what we think.”

It is important to be acceptable to God.  We must make sure our words, thoughts, and deeds are in keeping with the Will of our Creator, who is our strength and our redeemer.