Idle Words

Scripture:  Matthew 12:36 (NKJB) - “…for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.”

In the words of Philippians 1:27 we’re called to let our conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ.  Have you ever been in a professional setting, and upon hearing a flurry of frivolous or debasing talk, asked yourself, “What IS this—the stage of some ribald comedy club or the workplace?’  When the talk becomes insulting or insensitive about or toward others, I count myself fortunate in being a “decidedly content outsider,” rather than part of the inner social circle.

You’ve heard verbal exchanges in the workplace,  public square, and even in church settings where people say things which, if spoken to them, would incite some level of offense.  Loose lips still sink ships and, I might add, ignite fires of longstanding resentment. Brothers and sisters, these things ought not to habitually occur among those professing to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.  Yet, they do, because we get careless at times, putting our speech, conduct, and our innermost thoughts on “automatic pilot.”  Each of us, if we’re honest with ourselves, can improve in these areas.  We must purpose each day to walk more worthily of the calling of our Savior and be thankful for His longsuffering toward us, as evidenced in verses such as: “If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?

Long ago I heard a preacher on Christian radio give a three-pronged test for what we should permit to escape our lips:  Is it TRUE; is it RIGHT, and is it NECESSARY?  Unless our comments meet all three, such remarks (and thoughts) are best left unspoken and disengaged.  We needn’t enter many conversations that enter our auditory range.  Proverbs 10:19 offers an excellent warning: “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”  Not every comment folks utter requires our response.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, left to myself, my thoughts  be ungracious, unkind, and harshly critical—even while standing aloft from the “coffee cooler cliques.”  Please forgive me for failing to consistently practice letting the words from my own mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight.  The days draw near when each of us shall give an account for every idle word spoken!  Thank You, in Jesus’ name.

(By Denise Diggs)