Episode 75 – Heart Conditions: When God Doesn’t Cosign Your Words

Episode 75 – Heart Conditions: When God Doesn’t Cosign Your Words

Scripture: Proverbs 16:1

“The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.”

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Proposition

A corrupt heart produces a distorted message. We can’t expect God to bless what the heart has already poisoned.

 

Main Question

What happens when the heart’s motives block God’s message?

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1. Scripture Foundation

Cross-References:

• Jeremiah 17:9 – “The heart is deceitful above all things…”
• Luke 6:45 – “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”
• Proverbs 4:23 – “Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
• Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God…”

 

Word Study:

• “Heart” (לֵב / leb): center of the human will, desire, and decision-making.
• “Plans” (maʿarakah): arrangement, intention—what the heart constructs.
• “Answer” (maʿaneh): a divine response, revelation, or reply.
• “Tongue” (lashon): a physical organ of speech and a metaphor for spiritual expression.

 

Context Notes:

Solomon distinguishes human intention from divine inspiration. The heart may devise plans, but God determines what words (and outcomes) align with truth.

When the heart’s filter is unclean, even good-sounding plans can carry manipulative motives.

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2. The Big Questions
3. What if our plans sound holy but are rooted in ego or insecurity?
4. How do we discern when our words are Spirit-led versus self-led?
5. Can God’s truth come through a heart that refuses correction?
6. Why does the heart’s condition determine whether the tongue speaks truth or poison?
7. What does it mean to let God purify your motives before you speak your plans?

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3. Insights & Commentary

• Biblical Insight: The verse shows divine restraint—God doesn’t cosign every word, even when spoken in His name.
• Theological Insight: The tongue may move, but only a purified heart can carry God’s authority.
• Practical Insight: People can use the right vocabulary (“God told me,” “I’m walking in purpose”) with the wrong heart.
• Illustration: Pharaoh’s magicians mimicked Moses’ miracles—same performance, wrong power source.
• Reflection: The Spirit doesn’t edit deceit. God’s voice will not harmonize with our hidden motives.

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4. Community Connection

• Cultural Context: In our era of platform-driven Christianity, motives matter more than methods. Many claim divine endorsement without divine intimacy.
• Local Lens: In ministry and leadership, heart posture affects how messages are received. A self-centered agenda can distort the gospel message.
• Social/Digital Connection: People often post scripture as validation for pride or revenge—proof that the heart behind the post corrupts the power of the Word.

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5. Takeaways & Application

• Individual: Check your heart before you speak for God.
• Corporate (Church): Teach discernment—not just doctrine. The question isn’t “Did you say it right?” but “Did you mean it right?”
• Action Challenge: Spend time in prayer this week asking God, “What in my heart needs healing before I speak again?”

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6. Engagement Elements

• Audience Questions:
• How do you check your heart before you make a decision or post a message?
• Have you ever realized your words were right but your motive was wrong?
• Shareable Quote:

“God doesn’t cosign deceit, even when it’s dressed in scripture.”

• Song Suggestion: “Give Me a Clean Heart” (Donnie McClurkin) or “Refiner” (Maverick City Music).

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7. Prayer & Reflection

 

Prayer:

“God, examine our hearts. Remove every deceitful intention and every selfish motive that blocks your truth from being heard. Purify our plans, and let every word we speak carry your peace and power. Amen.”

 

Devotional Thought:

The tongue reveals what the heart conceals. If your speech doesn’t sound like heaven, it’s time to let God heal the source.

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