“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
—Matthew 12:36–37 (NIV)
The Lord Jesus gives us a sobering warning: every careless or meaningless word we speak will be brought to account on the Day of Judgment. Words are powerful. They carry weight in the spiritual realm, and God keeps record of what we say.
Examples of meaningless or careless speech include profanity, blasphemy, mockery, coarse joking, ungodly competition, filthy conversation, worldly songs, and many others like these. Let’s explore them in detail:
1. Joking with the Word of God
Some use Scripture or biblical stories as material for jokes or comedy skits. But God’s Word is holy, not entertainment.
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers.”
—Psalm 1:1 (NIV)
Mocking or making light of the Word of God is not only disrespectful, but spiritually dangerous.
2. Scoffing and Mocking
When we scoff at the things of God or mock true servants of Christ, we are not simply expressing an opinion—we are heaping judgment upon ourselves.
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
—Galatians 6:7 (NIV)
God takes mockery personally, especially when it targets His truth or His people.
3. Arguments and Debates
Engaging in religious arguments just to prove a point or win a verbal battle is also meaningless and spiritually unprofitable.
“Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge.”
—1 Timothy 6:20 (NIV)
Debates that stem from pride or a desire to appear knowledgeable lead only to division, not godliness.
4. Blasphemy
Blaspheming the work of the Holy Spirit, or speaking evil of something we know is truly of God, is a grave offense. This is what the Pharisees did when they accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan.
That’s why Jesus warned:
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”
—Matthew 12:36 (NIV)
5. Worldly Songs
Lyrics in many secular songs are filled with immorality, pride, lust, and messages that glorify the enemy. Singing or enjoying such songs invites spiritual harm.
“You strum away on your harps like David and improvise on musical instruments.”
—Amos 6:5 (NIV)
These were not songs of worship, but of vanity and self-indulgence.
6. Filthy or Vulgar Talk
Dirty jokes, sexual innuendo, abusive language, and talk that promotes sin—these are not just casual words. They corrupt the speaker and the hearer.
“Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”
—Ephesians 5:4 (NIV)“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
—Colossians 3:8 (NIV)
What Does It Mean to “Give an Account”?
To “give an account” means to explain in detail why we said what we said. For example, if you insult someone and call them a dog, you will be asked to explain why you used such a term. Was the person truly what you said, or did you speak out of anger or pride?
What we speak lightly here on earth may become lengthy, serious matters before the judgment seat of Christ.
Conclusion: Guard Your Tongue
Our words matter. They are recorded in heaven. If we have spoken carelessly, we must be quick to repent—to those we wronged and before God.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
—1 John 1:9 (NIV)
Let us turn to Christ while there is still time. Let us believe, repent, and hold firmly to our confession of faith.
Judgment is coming. Let us be ready.
Share this truth with others and be a vessel of light in a dark world.
God bless you.
![Mithali 3:27 ?
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