Avoiding Idle Words

Title: AVOIDING IDLE WORDS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 12:36-37

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 18:21, Ephesians 4:29, James 3:5-6, Colossians 4:6, Psalm 19:14

INTRODUCTION:

Words are powerful tools that can bring life or destruction. Jesus emphasises in Matthew 12:36-37 that every idle word will be judged. This highlights the importance of being mindful of what we say. Idle words—those that are careless, thoughtless, or unproductive—can cause harm and reflect the state of the heart. Holy living demands that we honour God with our speech, using words that edify and bless others.

1. THE POWER OF WORDS

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit" (Proverbs 18:21).

a) Words as a Reflection of the Heart

Our words reveal the condition of our hearts. A pure heart produces edifying speech (Luke 6:45).

b) Words Shape Our Reality

Words can build or destroy relationships, shape destinies, and influence our surroundings (James 3:5-6).

c) The Eternal Weight of Words

Jesus’ warning reminds us that words are not trivial; they carry eternal significance (Matthew 12:36-37).

d) Speaking Life, Not Death

Believers are called to speak life, bringing encouragement, comfort, and truth to others (Ephesians 4:29).

e) Biblical Example:

The spies in Numbers 13:30-33 exemplify the power of words. Caleb spoke faith, but the others spread fear, affecting the nation.

2. IDENTIFYING IDLE WORDS

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying" (Ephesians 4:29).

a) Careless Words

Words spoken without thought can wound or mislead others (Proverbs 15:28).

b) Gossip and Slander

Speaking negatively about others spreads division and dishonours God (Proverbs 20:19).

c) Flattery and Insincere Speech

Idle words include those spoken to deceive or manipulate others (Proverbs 26:28).

d) Complaints and Negativity

Complaining reflects a lack of gratitude and trust in God’s provision (Philippians 2:14-15).

e) Biblical Example:

Miriam’s idle words against Moses led to God’s judgement (Numbers 12:1-10).

3. GUARDING OUR SPEECH

"Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips" (Psalm 141:3).

a) Relying on the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit helps believers control their speech and speak words that glorify God (Galatians 5:22-23).

b) Filling the Heart with God’s Word

Meditating on God’s Word equips us to speak truth and avoid idle talk (Psalm 119:11).

c) Practising Silence When Necessary

Silence is sometimes the wisest response, especially in moments of anger or conflict (Proverbs 10:19).

d) Speaking with Purpose and Intention

Every word should serve to glorify God, edify others, or convey truth (Colossians 4:6).

e) Biblical Example:

Jesus exemplified purposeful speech, even when silent before His accusers (Isaiah 53:7; John 8:11).

4. THE CONSEQUENCES OF IDLE WORDS

"For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Matthew 12:37).

a) Accountability on the Day of Judgement

Believers will give an account for every word spoken, highlighting the need for vigilance (Ecclesiastes 12:14).

b) Broken Relationships

Idle words can destroy trust and unity in relationships (Proverbs 16:28).

c) Hindrance to Spiritual Growth

Careless speech can quench the Spirit’s work in our lives (1 Thessalonians 5:19).

d) Loss of Witness to Others

Idle talk damages our testimony and hinders others from seeing Christ in us (James 1:26).

e) Biblical Example:

Ananias and Sapphira’s deceitful words led to their death (Acts 5:1-10).

5. CULTIVATING GODLY SPEECH

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord" (Psalm 19:14).

a) Praying for Wisdom

Ask God daily for wisdom to speak rightly and avoid idle talk (James 1:5).

b) Encouraging and Building Others

Use words to uplift, motivate, and bless others (Hebrews 10:24-25).

c) Expressing Gratitude

Words of thanksgiving glorify God and inspire others (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

d) Sharing the Gospel Boldly

Focus your speech on sharing the truth of God’s Word with love and conviction (2 Timothy 4:2).

e) Biblical Example:

Paul’s letters reflect godly speech, filled with encouragement, instruction, and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:8-9).

CONCLUSION:

Avoiding idle words requires constant vigilance, a heart filled with God’s Word, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Our speech should reflect the character of Christ, building others up and glorifying God. By guarding our words and aligning them with God’s will, we can walk in obedience and be a blessing to those around us.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me to guard my tongue and speak words that honour You.

2. Holy Spirit, convict me whenever I am tempted to speak idle words.

3. Father, let my words be a source of encouragement to those around me.

4. Lord, remove from me the habit of complaining and negative talk.

5. Holy Spirit, teach me to speak with wisdom and grace.

6. Lord, fill my heart with Your Word so that my speech reflects Your truth.