Every Word Counts: The Weight of Idle Words

Title: Every Word Counts: The Weight of Idle Words Text: Matthew 12:36 (KJV) - “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”

Introduction: The Weight of Our Words

Imagine standing in a courtroom, not as a witness or a defendant, but as someone being judged for every word you’ve ever spoken. Each idle joke, every careless insult, every whispered gossip—all laid bare before a holy and righteous Judge. In Matthew 12:36, Jesus warns us of a day when we will give an account for “every idle word.” This is not just a passing statement or a suggestion—it is a divine reminder of the power, responsibility, and eternal consequences of our speech.

Words are not mere sounds or fleeting moments. They are powerful expressions that reveal the condition of our hearts. They have the capacity to build or destroy, to heal or hurt, to bring life or spread death. The words we speak don’t just vanish into the air; they echo into eternity. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” This truth should make us pause and consider: What kind of words are we speaking? What kind of legacy are we leaving through our conversations?

Think about this: every day, we speak thousands of words. Many of them we hardly think about—casual remarks, offhand comments, even mindless chatter. But Jesus calls these "idle words," words that are careless, purposeless, and unreflective of God’s truth. And He tells us these words will be weighed on the scales of divine justice.

This sermon will explore the profound weight of our words through seven points, each supported by Scripture and illustrated with real-life examples. Together, we will uncover the significance of our speech, how it reveals the state of our hearts, and how God calls us to use our words wisely. If you’ve ever underestimated the importance of what you say, this message is for you. It’s not too late to change your words, change your heart, and ultimately, change your eternal impact.

Let’s journey together through this powerful teaching and ask ourselves: Are my words a reflection of Christ? Am I speaking life or spreading death? And most importantly, will I be ready to give an account for my words on the day of judgment?

1. The Power of Words

Scripture: Proverbs 18:21 - “Death and life are in the power of the tongue...”

Illustration: A young child encouraged by kind words grows into a confident adult, while one criticized constantly struggles with self-esteem.

Proverbs 18:21 - “Death and life are in the power of the tongue...”

James 3:5 - “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”

Psalm 141:3 - “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”

Illustration: A small spark can ignite a forest fire. Similarly, a single word can either destroy or inspire.

Application: Recognize the power your words have to shape others' lives for better or worse.

2. What Are Idle Words?

Proverbs 10:19 - “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”

Colossians 3:8 - “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”

Matthew 5:37 - “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”

Illustration: A rumor, though seemingly harmless, spirals out of control, leaving broken friendships in

Definition: Idle words are thoughtless, careless, or purposeless speech that does not glorify God or edify others.

Illustration: Gossip at a workplace spreads quickly, damaging reputations even when the information is false.

Application: Reflect before speaking. Are your words empty or meaningful?

3. Words Reveal the Heart

Scripture: Matthew 12:34 - “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”

Illustration: Like a spring reflects its source, our words are the outpouring of our inner thoughts and values.

Luke 6:45 - “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good...”

Proverbs 4:23 - “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

Jeremiah 17:9 - “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”

Illustration: A bitter person frequently complains and criticizes, while a joyful person naturally speaks encouragement and gratitude.

Application: Examine your speech as a mirror of your heart. A transformed heart leads to transformed words.

4. Accountability for Every Word

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:14 - “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

Illustration: Imagine your conversations being played back on judgment day—would you feel proud or ashamed?

Romans 14:12 - “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”

Hebrews 4:13 - “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

Revelation 20:12 - “And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”

Illustration: Imagine every careless joke and hurtful comment written in a book to be reviewed in God’s courtroom.

Application: Speak as though you’re in God’s presence because you are.

5. Idle Words Hurt Others

Scripture: Ephesians 4:29 - “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying...”

Illustration: A single harsh comment from a teacher discouraged a student from pursuing their dream. Years later, that memory still stings.

Proverbs 12:18 - “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.”

James 1:26 - “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.”

Galatians 5:15 - “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.”

Illustration: A thoughtless insult from a friend stings more than an enemy’s blow, often leaving lasting emotional scars.

Application: Use your words to heal and build up, not to wound.

6. Idle Words Waste Opportunities

Scripture: Colossians 4:6 - “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt...”

Illustration: A conversation at a bus stop could have been an opportunity to share the gospel, but it was wasted on trivial chatter.

Ephesians 5:15-16 - “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Psalm 19:14 - “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD.”

2 Timothy 4:2 - “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

Illustration: A conversation that could have led someone to Christ is squandered on trivial complaints.

Application: Make every word purposeful and impactful.

7. The Hope of Redemption

Scripture: 1 John 1:9 - “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us...”

Illustration: A man convicted about his careless speech seeks forgiveness and begins using his words to inspire and encourage others. Over time, his relationships and influence grow.

Isaiah 1:18 - “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow...”

2 Corinthians 5:17 - “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Psalm 51:10 - “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

Illustration: Peter, who denied Christ with his words, was redeemed and empowered to boldly proclaim the gospel after repentance.

Application: Even if you’ve misused words in the past, God’s grace offers forgiveness and a fresh start.

Conclusion

Every word matters. Jesus' warning in Matthew 12:36 isn’t just about judgment—it’s an invitation to live intentionally. Every word counts. Jesus warns us not to treat our speech lightly. However, through the power of God’s grace, we can transform our speech into tools of edification, encouragement, and eternal impact.

Challenge: Take a moment each day to evaluate your speech. Commit to making your words a reflection of Christ's love and truth. Resolve to use your words wisely, redeem opportunities, and glorify God with your speech. Let your words be a reflection of a transformed heart.

Closing Illustration

Think of your words like seeds scattered in a field. They will either produce weeds or a harvest of righteousness. What kind of crop will you leave behind? Words are like seeds. They will either produce weeds of destruction or a harvest of righteousness. What will your harvest look like?