Careless Words: Matthew 12:33-37
““33) Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. 34) You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. 35) The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. 36) But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. 37) For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”” Matthew 12:33-37
Just as trees are known by the fruit they produce, so people are known by the words they speak. Bad trees produce bad fruit and good trees produce good fruit. So bad people spill out bad and destructive words, but good people speak truthful, edifying and empowering words.
There are many kinds of bad words. Vulgarity and cursing are only one example of bad words. Being constantly negative, critical or judgmental also exposes a broken character. At some point they can amount to verbal abuse.
There is also the problem of careless words that come from gossip or hearsay. They have no basis in fact or reality, but they can malign or ruin the reputation of others. This can amount to character assassination.
There are also deceptive, faithless and discouraging words. Some of these destroy trust and faith and shape our view of reality. Many of these influence our view of God and are careless and destructive. To make a child who believes in God stumble is a serious offense.
For example, to say “God does not do miracles today”, or that “evolution and not Creation explains origins” are both examples of false and damaging words and teaching. It is important to both think and speak truth. Some theologians and doctrines can actually undermine faith and trust in God. They are full of naturalism and humanism. The end result is that they twist and distort biblical reality.
Words are powerful. They not only expose the true condition of your heart, they also set the compass of your life. Words express your true belief system and your belief system will direct your life.
In the context, Jesus was reacting to the Pharisees accusing Him of casting out demons by Beelzebul. (Vs 24) Jealousy is a poor gate keeper of truth. They were condemning themselves and others. They were bling guides of the blind.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
