“But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account thereof in the day of judgment. For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37)
How powerful are our words? They can soothe the soul but can “crush the spirit” (Proverbs 15:4). Words can comfort the broken-hearted but also cut like a knife. They can bring life/death, healing/cursing, edification/condemnation. The tongue, though such a small thing, is as a “flame of fire” (James 3:5) and a “sharp sword” (Psalm 57:4). People often downplay the emotional harm that words can cause, because they do not see the scars. News flash, just because you cannot see the scars, does not mean they are not there. In fact, unlike physical scars, they may never heal and can have long-lasting effects. What people don’t realize is the zeal by which they use their words, the same will be measured onto them. In the end, their words will justify or condemn them. Yes, how powerful are our words and harmful our tongues!
“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.“ (2 Corinthians 4:18)
Contrary To Popular Belief, Words Do Hurt
Most have heard the saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me”. However, Ecclesiasticus 28:17 tells us, “The stroke of the whip makes marks in the flesh: but the stroke of the tongue breaks the bones”. “To slip upon a pavement is better than to slip with the tongue: so the fall of the wicked shall come speedily” (Ecclesiasticus 20:18). Clearly there is a disconnect, because contrary to popular belief, words hurt. The problem is that people are more focused on the physical/carnal rather than the spiritual which is invisible. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12). Next time you use your words as a weapon or someone uses their words against you, understand it is spiritual.
“For this cause, therefore, you sons of men, bless the Lord God unceasingly, every hour and every day: but more especially when the sun has set: for at that hour all the angels proceed to the Lord to worship him and to present the works of men, which every man has wrought from the morning till the evening, whether good or evil.” (Apocalypse of Paul, Chapter 7)
You Will Give an Account For Every Idle Word
You will give an account for every idle word and every work done under the sun, whether good or evil. The earth, which has been given into the hands of the wicked, may not condemn you, but The Almighty will; and “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrew 10:31). Everyone talks about the right to free speech, but that right at the end may come back and bite you. For “death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof”. (Proverbs 18:21). There is wisdom in the saying, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”. For “Whoso keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles” (Proverbs 21:23). Wisdom is not only knowing when, how and what to say, but when to be silent.
“The mouth of the just brings forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.” (Proverbs 10:31)
“The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)
“But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8)
You Have The Right To Remain Silent
Everyone that watches television shows such as “Law and Order” or “Chicago PD”, two of my favorites, has heard of the Fifth Amendment. You don’t have to be a serial criminal to recite the Fifth Amendment Miranda warning the police give to suspects in their custody. “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law”. That is very telling, when you apply it to the spiritual realm. You will be judged for your works in the flesh. Not every evil word or action committed against you requires a physical response, especially when you understand it is a spirit. Recognizing that your words and actions will be used to either justify or condemn you on judgement day; “You have the right to remain silent for anything you say can and will be used against you.”
Choose your words wisely, because once spoken they cannot be undone!
“No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, says the LORD” (Isaiah 54:17)
“Four manner of things appear: good and evil, life and death: but the tongue rules over them continually.” (Ecclesiasticus 37:18)
“When a rich man speaks, every man holds his tongue, and, look, what he says, they extol it to the clouds: but if the poor man speak, they say, What fellow is this? and if he stumble, they will help to overthrow him.” (Ecclesiasticus 13:23)
“For thou art my defender and helper, and has preserved my body from destruction, and from the snare of the slanderous tongue, and from the lips that forge lies, and has been mine helper against mine adversaries” (Ecclesiasticus 51:2)
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