Riddle: One thing enters to nourish, another exits to flourish. Both pass through the same gate, yet serve different states.
Answer: The mouth, where food enters and words exit.
My wife mentioned this relationship this weekend during one of our times of reflection. The incredible power of the mouth. It’s the gateway to our physical health through the food we eat, and it’s the window to our inner selves through the words we speak.
Reflections of What Goes In
The way we look is often a reflection of what we put into our bodies; right through the portal under our nose. A diet rich in wholesome foods can lead to healthier skin, stronger hair, and a more vibrant appearance. Conversely, consuming high amounts of processed foods can result in premature aging and weight gain.
Reflections of the Heart
What comes out of our mouths, however, is a reflection of our hearts. The Bible emphasizes this heart-mouth connection, teaching that our words reveal what’s inside us. Jesus said, “For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). This principle underscores the importance of monitoring not just what we eat, but also what we say.
Here are some other verses making the connection: Matthew 12:34-35, Proverbs 4:23, and James 3:9-12, they all emphasize that what we say reflects the heart’s condition
The riddle invites us to reflect on the dual role of our mouths and the significance of both wholesome food and holy words. From the our morning conversation I am spending more time appreciating the power of both, and strive to make each day a little more wholesome and holy.