The words of Jesus in Matthew 12:37 provide an important warning about the power of our speech and how we will be held accountable for what we say. In this verse, Jesus declares, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” This teaches us that the words we choose to speak have eternal implications.
The Context of Jesus’ Statement
To properly understand Jesus’ statement in Matthew 12:37, it is helpful to examine the context surrounding it. In Matthew 12, Jesus had just healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, which caused the Pharisees to accuse Him of breaking the law. Jesus responded by affirming that it is lawful to “do good” on the Sabbath. He then healed another man who was demon-oppressed and unable to speak. The crowds wondered if Jesus could be the Son of David, but the Pharisees accused Jesus of operating by the power of Satan (Matthew 12:22-24).
Jesus strongly rebuked the Pharisees for their blasphemous accusation. He used several arguments to show the foolishness of their charge. First, Jesus said “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand” (Matthew 12:25). Satan would not empower someone who was plundering his kingdom. Next, Jesus pointed out that the Pharisees’ own Jewish exorcists showed that casting out demons did not imply an alliance with Satan (Matthew 12:27). Finally, Jesus declared that His works clearly demonstrated that the kingdom of God had come upon them (Matthew 12:28).
It was in the context of this heated exchange that Jesus issued His sobering warning about being justified or condemned according to what proceeds from our mouths. The Pharisees had just spoken blasphemy against the Holy Spirit by attributing the Spirit’s work through Jesus to Satan (Matthew 12:31-32). Jesus made it clear that they would be held accountable for their dangerous words.
The Meaning of Jesus’ Statement
When Jesus said “by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned,” He was underscoring the tremendous power of our speech for either good or evil. Several important truths can be drawn from this statement:
- Our words have the power to justify us or condemn us before God. They are a reflection of what is in our hearts and an indicator of our spiritual state.
- Our words can praise God and lead others to salvation, or they can blaspheme Him and lead others astray. Both bring either blessing or judgment.
- Careless words and rash oaths have implications we often ignore, but God takes them very seriously.
- We will give an account for every “careless word” we speak (Matthew 12:36). Vain babbling and lies condemn us.
- Our tongues have “the power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21). We must use them wisely and for God’s glory.
Jesus’ warning reminds us to carefully consider each word before we speak. Speech has immense power, and words cannot be retracted once spoken. We must remember that “the tongue is a fire” that can either build up or destroy (James 3:5-6). Our aim should be speech “seasoned with salt” that brings grace to the hearers (Colossians 4:6).
Examples of Being Justified or Condemned by Words
The Bible contains many examples of people being either justified or condemned based on the words that came from their mouths:
- Justified – The tax collector who prayed “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” (Luke 18:9-14).
- Condemned – The Pharisee in that same parable who boasted arrogantly in prayer (Luke 18:9-12).
- Justified – Peter’s confession “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:13-17).
- Condemned – The crowd who shouted “Crucify Him!” regarding Jesus (Mark 15:12-15).
- Justified – The apostle Paul, who confessed Christ faithfully (1 Timothy 1:12-17).
- Condemned – The high priest Caiaphas who falsely accused Jesus (Matthew 26:57-66).
These examples demonstrate that our words are extremely significant. Words expressing humble repentance lead to justification, while words of pride, false witness, or rejection of Christ result in condemnation. This is why Jesus urges us to be very careful about what we say.
How to Turn from Careless Words to Wise Speech
Since Jesus warns that careless words can condemn us, how do we go about changing our speech habits to avoid God’s judgment? Here are some tips:
- Ask God to set a guard over your mouth and keep watch over the door of your lips (Psalm 141:3). Pray for Him to purify your speech.
- Think carefully before you speak. Don’t be hasty in word or speech (Proverbs 29:20).
- Make sure your words are truthful, uplifting, gracious, and glorifying to God.
- Be quick to listen, slow to speak (James 1:19). Don’t talk too much or spread gossip.
- Ask God to forgive you when you speak wrongly. Repent and make amends if possible.
- Focus on sharing the gospel – the greatest words you can ever speak.
As we think about Jesus’ warning, may it instill in us a godly fear of careless words. May we speak truth, wisdom and kindness as we point others toward Christ.
Common Questions about Matthew 12:37
1. Do all idle words condemn us or just blasphemy?
Jesus’ warning about idle words condemning us is very broad. In Matthew 12:36 he said “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.” This means every foolish, insensitive, untrue, unprofitable or gossip-filled word – not just blasphemy. We must guard our tongues at all times.
2. Can words alone save or condemn us?
Words alone cannot save or condemn – the heart condition behind the words is what matters most to God. However, words are a powerful indicator of the heart’s state. Righteous words point to faith, while blasphemous words reveal unbelief. So words give evidence of salvation or condemnation that is alreadypresent in the heart.
3. Shouldn’t we be more concerned about actions than words?
It is true that actions are extremely important. However, Jesus stresses the significance of words as well. Speech is a form of action and reveals the contents of the heart. Wise, truthful, loving words in accord with Scripture are pleasing to God. Foolish, false, hateful words reveal a wayward heart. Our actions and words must align with God’s will.
4. What role do words play in our evangelism and discipleship?
Words play a foundational role in the Great Commission. We are called to GO tell the world about Jesus. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. We must speak the gospel, make disciples, and teach obedience. Wise words point others to salvation. Careless words can push them away. Therefore, we must be very careful how we use words when witnessing and discipling.
5. How do we know if we’ve gone too far in our speech?
Here are some warning signs you may have crossed the line with speech:
- You’re saying things that don’t build others up or spread the Gospel.
- You’re being hurtful, lying, exaggerating, or malicious in your speech.
- You’re getting into quarrels, arguments or foolish debates.
- You’re spreading gossip, secrets or unhealthy chatter.
- Your words stir up dissension, envy, pride or strife.
Ask God for discernment. The Bible says “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18). Strive for speech that heals, blesses and points to Christ.
Conclusion
Jesus’ sobering warning about our words condemning us underscores the enormous power of the tongue. As James says, the tongue is a fire that can ignite great evil. Therefore, as Christians we must diligently watch what we say, avoiding lies, gossip, boasting or blasphemy. Instead, we must speak as the oracles of God – using our words for the spread of the Gospel and the building up of others. Our aim must be speech bringing hope, healing and conviction to lead others to salvation.