Matthew 12:36–37: 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.


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

Your Word is Truth

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

You Alone are God

Since your words matter to God, they should matter to you. – TWEET IT

Your Will be Done

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.

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Tommy Blumberg

Tommy Blumberg

Tommy Blumberg was ordained as a Calvary Chapel pastor in 1985, where he served as an assistant pastor at Calvary Fellowship, in Seattle. In 1992, Pastor Tom, his wife Pam, and their three daughters moved to Bellingham and began a Bible study, which led to the founding of Calvary Chapel Northwest. Tom blogs regularly at TommyBlumberg.com.