But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.
Matthew 12:36
Words matter! As someone once noted, “Words are free, but they cost.” The writer of the gospel of Matthew says that every word we speak is a gauge to our spiritual condition. For it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34). Indeed, God will hold us accountable for every word we speak, in the judgment. Speaking to the Pharisees Jesus states, “For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned (Matthew 12:37; See also Luke 12:3).” The Pharisees (self-righteous teachers of the law) had just accused Jesus of being demon-possessed (Yes, this was outright gossip). This is a clear warning to us and especially to those who hold influence over others, ---tame the tongue. The writer of Proverbs 10:19 puts this bluntly, “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” My grandmother would often say, “Think of whom you speak, of what you speak and how you speak.” I would say that is a whole lot of thinking that is meant to curtail gossip.
Words have caused countries to go to war; words have destroyed marriages, families and friendships; words have even broken business partnerships. Get this, words launched Adam and Eve on the wrong path and the world has never been the same. But words can just as quickly bring healing (Proverbs 15:1): “I am sorry, I forgive you, please forgive me… etc.).
The ability to speak is a gift from God. How are you using your gift in your circles of influence? Do your words inspire or destroy, do they build up or cut down? We live in an age where many, especially those with influence use words indiscriminately, some even use words to spread hate and to divide and all this under the Christian banner. Someone once said, “Church attendance on Sunday lasts only for an hour or two, but our lives preach all week.” How is your preaching?
As we begin this new week, may our words be soft and kind (Proverbs 15:1), like balm to wounded souls. May we build up, encourage and fill others with hope and joy to the glory and honor of God our Father. May our words be worthy of our loving Lord and Savior. Have a God-honoring week!
Dear Father, forgive me for all the words I have spoken carelessly in the past. Forgive me for times I have dishonored brothers and sisters created in your image. Cleanse my lips as you did the prophet Isaiah’s (Isaiah 6:7). Give me a holy sensitivity from this day forward, so that my words will not sin against you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.