I am sure anyone reading this has heard those words before. It was probably in the context of your parents disciplining you. However, God's word has much more to say about the importance of our speech, and I have had the blessing of being given new insights that I'd love to share with you all. These are verses I have read before, but I never quite "got it." Isn't it so amazing how the Lord uses familiar verses to speak to you in a fresh way??
I have been reading Matthew 12 thoroughly for my MOMs Bible study and have been struck by the following verses:
For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
(Matthew 12:34b ESV)
[36] I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, [37] for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
(Matthew 12:36-37 ESV)
I have always known that your speech and behavior is a reflection of your heart. That is quite convicting, and the Lord has used that truth to grow me during several periods of my life. However, I never quite got verses 36 and 37, and, to be honest, I was a little scared. When you first read it, it sounds like we will be judged based on our speech. That seems completely counter to the Gospel that teaches salvation through faith in Christ. I did some studying, though, and came across something really enlightening. The ESV online commentary said that the use of the word "justified" here means to be shown to be righteous. In other words, your words are outward evidence of your inner character. This is different from how Paul uses "justified" to mean declared righteous before God (salvation).
So, dear Christians, let's not be overly burdened by verses 36 and 37. If you have put your faith in Christ and turned from your sin, your words will slowly become more and more Christlike, and we have hope for eternal life based on Christ alone! However, we should feel great conviction from these verses as well. Our speech and behavior are an indication of where our heart is. Oh how often I have brushed off the seriousness of a pattern of sin because it was "just a habit." Nothing in our walk with the Lord is "just a habit"...it is so much more! This is my prayer for all of us:
[23] Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
[24] And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
(Psalm 139:23-24 ESV)
