Be Careful What You Say

Matthew 12:34-36 provides insight into Jesus' teachings on the significance of our words and their implications: "He said, 'You offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, express any good things? For the mouth speaks from that which fills the heart. The good person brings out of his good treasure good things; and the evil person brings out of his evil treasure evil things. But I tell you that for every careless word that people speak, they will give an account of it on the day of judgment.'"

These verses carry important implications for believers and non-believers alike. Jesus emphasizes the seriousness of our words and their implications, warning against speaking "careless" or "empty" words. Even seemingly insignificant speech will be subject to evaluation during the final judgment.

Proverbs 18:21 further underscores the power of our words: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit." This proverb points out the significance of speech, pointing to its ability to bring either life or death. It underscores the importance of speaking wisely and with purpose.

James 3:6 vividly describes the destructive potential of the tongue: "And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell." James compares the tongue to a fire, capable of causing great harm and spreading wickedness. This passage reinforces the importance of exercising caution and discretion in our speech.

In Ephesians 4:29 Paul give instruction to believers to be careful what they say: "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." According to Bill Mounce, the Greek word for 'unwholesome' is 'sapros,' meaning 'bad, rotten, decayed, or unwholesome.' In Ephesians, Paul instructs believers to speak words that build up and encourage others, aligning with the principle outlined in Matthew 12:36 of giving an account for every word spoken.

Matthew 12:34-36 instructs believers and non-believers alike of what God expect of us. It is emphasizing the belief in a future judgment day when all individuals will be called to account for their actions, words, and thoughts. This belief serves as a motivating factor for living a life aligned with God's will and principles. Through mindful speech and adherence to biblical principles, believers can honor God with their words and impact the lives of those around them for the glory of God. Be mindful of what Paul wrote to the Church in Colossae, "But now you also, rid yourselves of all of them: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene speech from your mouth." Colossians 3:8

The tongue is hard to tame. However, with prayer and the help of the Holy  Spirit we can control our tongues. By seeking God's guidance daily, we can use our words to bring life, encouragement, and reflect Christ's love to others.

I am a dedicated Bible teacher and evangelist, committed to understanding the Bible deeply and conveying its message in a simple, relatable manner. My primary aim is to lead others to Christ, help them grow in their faith, and teach the true Word of God. I focus on making biblical principles accessible to everyone, using straightforward language and practical applications. Email: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com