The Life and Ministry of Jesus
But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36–37
The phrase “idle word” means “words that accomplish nothing.” If God is going to judge our “small talk,” how much more will He judge our deliberate words?
It is by our conversation at unguarded moments that we reveal our true character. 1
Personal Encouragement
It is wise to think before your speak. It is wise to stay silent until you have something of substance to say. It is wise to excel with grace and to avoid gossip. Is there something that you have said that you need to apologize for?
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossians 4:6
Since your words matter to God, they should matter to you.
A Prayer
Lord, thank You for making me accountable to You for every word I speak.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
