𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗠𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗦 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗧

YOUR MOUTH REVEALS YOUR HEART

Dirty Mouth vs. Clean Mouth — A Pauline Perspective
Key Text: Matthew 12:34; Ephesians 4:29
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”

INTRODUCTION

The mouth may be small, but it reveals great truth.
According to Scripture, words expose the heart, direction, doctrine, and allegiance of a person.

In this present dispensation of grace, God is not reforming mouths through law—but transforming speech through a renewed mind in Christ (Romans 12:2).

Today, we will examine DIRTY MOUTH vs CLEAN MOUTH through 9 Pauline contrasts that reveal whether speech flows from the flesh or from grace.

SOURCE – Where the Words Come From
Matthew 12:34

Dirty Mouth
A. Proceeds from an unrenewed heart
B. Reflects fleshly thinking
C. Flows from inward corruption

Clean Mouth
A. Proceeds from a renewed heart
B. Reflects Christ-centered thinking
C. Flows from grace within
Pauline Truth: Changed speech begins with a renewed mind (Romans 12:2).

SUBSTANCE – What the Words Contain
Ephesians 4:29

Dirty Mouth
A. Corrupt communication
B. Bitter, filthy, or deceptive words
C. Speech that tears down

Clean Mouth
A. Edifying communication
B. Words seasoned with grace
C. Speech that builds up
Pauline Truth: Grace changes vocabulary.

SPIRITUAL CONTROL – Who Governs the Tongue
Romans 8:5–6

Dirty Mouth
A. Flesh-controlled speech
B. Emotion-driven reactions
C. Carnal expression

Clean Mouth
A. Spirit-led speech
B. Truth governed by doctrine
C. Christ-directed expression
Pauline Truth: Walk in the Spirit, not the flesh.

STANDARD – What the Mouth Aligns With
2 Timothy 4:3–4

Dirty Mouth
A. Opposes sound doctrine
B. Speaks according to itching ears
C. Twists truth

Clean Mouth
A. Upholds sound doctrine
B. Speaks according to Scripture
C. Guards truth
Pauline Truth: Right doctrine produces right speech.

SAVIOR FOCUS – Who Gets the Glory
Galatians 6:14

Dirty Mouth
A. Magnifies self
B. Promotes pride
C. Glories in flesh

Clean Mouth
A. Magnifies Christ
B. Promotes humility
C. Glories in the cross
Pauline Truth: The gospel humbles the tongue.

SIN RESPONSE – How Sin Is Addressed
Isaiah 5:20 / Romans 3:24

Dirty Mouth
A. Justifies sin
B. Excuses wrongdoing
C. Normalizes evil

Clean Mouth
A. Declares forgiveness
B. Exalts justification by grace
C. Points to Christ’s finished work
Pauline Truth: Grace does not excuse sin—it forgives it.

SOCIAL IMPACT – What the Words Produce in Others
Proverbs 18:21 / Ephesians 4:29

Dirty Mouth
A. Spreads corruption
B. Breeds division
C. Wounds others

Clean Mouth
A. Spreads edification
B. Promotes unity
C. Heals others
Pauline Truth: Words minister life or death.

SPIRIT RESPONSE – How God Is Affected
Ephesians 4:30

Dirty Mouth
A. Grieves the Spirit
B. Resists conviction
C. Delays growth

Clean Mouth
A. Honors the Spirit
B. Submits to truth
C. Encourages growth
Pauline Truth: Speech reflects spiritual maturity.

SALVATION EVIDENCE – What the Mouth Testifies
Romans 10:9–10

Dirty Mouth
A. Contradicts profession
B. Denies gospel clarity
C. Reveals unchanged thinking

Clean Mouth
A. Confesses Christ
B. Proclaims the gospel
C. Reveals a renewed mind
Pauline Truth: The gospel changes how we speak.

CONCLUSION

A dirty mouth is not merely a speech problem—it is a heart and doctrine problem.
A clean mouth is not self-discipline—it is grace-produced transformation.
God is not cleaning mouths with soap—
He is cleansing hearts with truth and grace.

CALL TO ACTION

Renew your mind daily in Paul’s epistles
Replace corrupt words with grace-filled speech
Let doctrine shape your conversation
Speak as one who has been forgiven
“Let your speech be alway with grace.” (Colossians 4:6)

FINAL THOUGHTS

The mouth reveals the heart
The heart follows doctrine
Doctrine determines direction
Grace doesn’t just save the soul—
it sanctifies the speech.
“Lord, set a watch before my mouth.” (Psalm 141:3)