Check the Root Before You Trust the Fruit

Scripture: Proverbs 26:28 (TPT) – “Hatred is the root of slander, and insecurity the root of flattery.”

Let’s talk about the why behind the words.

We live in a world where words are everywhere. They’re spoken, posted, texted, tweeted, and even whispered. Some words build us up, and others are crafted to tear us down or trap us in deception. But here’s the thing I know: words don’t just appear out of nowhere. They’re rooted in something deeper.

Proverbs 26:28 calls out the heart motives behind two types of dangerous speech: slander and flattery.

“Hatred is the root of slander.”

Slander isn’t just casual gossip or a heated moment of venting. It’s intentional character assassination that’s meant to damage someone’s name, reputation, or credibility. But here’s an even deeper truth: slander is rarely about the person being talked about. It’s usually about the one speaking.

When someone slanders, it’s not just words - they’re revealing the hatred embedded in their heart.

Whether it’s jealousy, unresolved offense, bitterness, or even competition, there’s something festering beneath the surface. And eventually, what’s in the heart overflows through the mouth (Luke 6:45).

If you’ve ever been slandered, then you know it hurts. But this scripture reminds you that you’re not the problem - their heart is.

If you’ve ever caught yourself speaking destructively, it’s not just a slip of the tongue - it’s a sign to check your own heart. What’s hiding behind that sarcasm? That shade? That gossip?

“Insecurity is the root of flattery.”

Now, flattery may sound nice, but we have to recent that not all compliments are rooted in love.

Flattery is when someone praises you excessively but with an agenda. It’s not authentic encouragement - it’s actually manipulation in disguise.

So why do people flatter? Because they’re insecure.

They don’t feel grounded in who they are, so they hide behind performance.

They seek to gain approval, access, or affirmation by hyping others up - not out of love, but out of fear.

Insecurity will make you do things that look like kindness but aren’t. It’ll have you people-pleasing and sugarcoating just to feel accepted.

God never called us to flatter. He called us to love in truth.

Heart Check: What’s Fueling Your Words?

Whether it’s slander or flattery, this verse exposes what’s happening behind the scenes. It reminds us that words are symptoms of deeper spiritual and emotional conditions. And if we don’t confront the root, we’ll keep producing fruit that doesn’t reflect Christ.

Here’s the truth:

• Slander flows from hatred.

• Flattery flows from insecurity.

• Healing flows from honesty.

• And wisdom flows from wholeness.

Prayer:

God, reveal to me what’s in my heart. Help me to be honest with myself and accept what you show me concerning what’s in my heart. If there’s any bitterness, jealousy, or pride in me - reveal it and uproot it in the Name of Jesus .

If I’ve been using my words to manipulate or tear others down, convict me and cleanse me. Let my words be a reflection of You - Your love, Your truth, and Your healing. Teach me to speak from a place of wholeness, not wounds. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Remember:

Before you believe every compliment or get wounded by every insult - check the root.

And before you speak, check your own.

Speak life. Speak truth. Speak from healing.

Your words form worlds. Your words shape your reality. So be careful of what you speak.

You just might be living in the reality of a world you created with your own words.