12:34 {7} O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
(7) Hypocrites at length betray themselves even by their own mouth.
12:34,35 Generation of vipers. Poisonous, evil and dangerous, like vipers.
How can ye, etc.? Their hearts were thoroughly evil, hence they could only speak and do evil, for out of the good treasure of the heart the mouth speaketh. On the other hand, the good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things.
12:34 In another kind likewise, the tree is known by its fruit - Namely, the heart by the conversation.
12:33-37 Men's language discovers what country they are of, likewise what manner of spirit they are of. The heart is the fountain, words are the streams. A troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring, must send forth muddy and unpleasant streams. Nothing but the salt of grace, cast into the spring, will heal the waters, season the speech, and purify the corrupt communication. An evil man has an evil treasure in his heart, and out of it brings forth evil things. Lusts and corruptions, dwelling and reigning in the heart, are an evil treasure, out of which the sinner brings forth bad words and actions, to dishonour God, and hurt others. Let us keep constant watch over ourselves, that we may speak words agreeable to the Christian character.
