By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Hebrews 13:15
Some people’s tongues get them in trouble. They let their lips start moving before their minds are fully in gear. Sometimes hurtful and damaging remarks are spoken, and once spoken, they cannot be retracted. Our tongues can be a curse or blessing, depending on how we use them. The apostle Paul admonishes us to let the fruit of our lips give thanks. His idea of fruit implies an idea that is growing and maturing, and finally reaches the point of full expression. It is controlled conversation with intent and purpose. Paul wants us to use our words to show thankfulness and to share an attitude of Praise to our God. As Christians we are not out to unload our miseries on other people. Complaining is often the easy thing to do. But Paul encourages us to think on those things that are praiseworthy and to share those thoughts with others. We should meditate on the good things of God and then let our words be fitly spoken. Our words should express the inner attitude of our heart, an expression of devotion to Christ, of submission to Christ, of obedience to Christ. Like the psalmist we can pray, “let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to thee, O Lord my Strength and my Redeemer.” (Ps. 19:14)
Dalbert Walker