Throughout our Bible study this week, we have been discussing the power of our words and the importance of using our words to speak life over the people around us. Indeed, we have a responsibility to use our words to encourage the people around us and point them to Christ. After all, our tongues have the power of life and death, according to Proverbs 18:21. As a result, we must take the words we say seriously. This is not the only reason for us to take our words seriously. You see, Scripture also teaches us that we will one day give an account for the words we say.
Jesus taught that one day, we will be judged for every word we speak in Matthew 12. In this chapter, He said, “For whatever is in your heart determines what you say” (verse 34). He continued, saying, “A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart” (verse 35). Jesus explained in these verses that the words we say reflect what is in our hearts. As Jesus taught about our words, He continued, saying, "And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak" (verse 36). One day, Jesus taught, we will be judged for the words we say. We will give an account for the life-giving words we said and the words that caused death and destruction.
Make no mistake, my friends. We will give an account before God the Father for the words we say, the good, the bad, and everything in between. As a result, we must take the words we say seriously, knowing that we will stand before God the Father one day and be judged for our words. May this truth motivate us to use our words carefully, with the purpose of honoring our Heavenly Father with every word we say.
Write Matthew 12:36 down on a notecard. Place that notecard somewhere you will see it often. Let this verse be a reminder to you that the words you say matter and that one day, you will give an account for your words, for better or for worse. Commit to using your words to bring life and point others to Him. Ask Him for your help as you seek to honor Him.
22 Then a demon-possessed man, who was blind and couldn’t speak, was brought to Jesus. He healed the man so that he could both speak and see. 23 The crowd was amazed and asked, “Could it be that Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah?”
24 But when the Pharisees heard about the miracle, they said, “No wonder he can cast out demons. He gets his power from Satan, the prince of demons.”
25 Jesus knew their thoughts and replied, “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart. 26 And if Satan is casting out Satan, he is divided and fighting against himself. His own kingdom will not survive. 27 And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They cast out demons, too, so they will condemn you for what you have said. 28 But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. 29 For who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.
30 “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.
31 “So I tell you, every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven—except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven. 32 Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come.
33 “A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. 34 You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. 35 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. 36 And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. 37 The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”
