By Betty Hertz, St. John Lay Leader
Matthew 12:36-37 (CEB)
36 I tell you that people will have to answer on Judgment Day for every useless word they speak. 37 By your words you will be either judged innocent or condemned as guilty."
When I read this passage, I gasped. Whoa! How many times have useless words come out of my mouth? Perhaps I excused myself by saying they were just "slips of the tongue" or "that person deserved those words." I paused to reflect on the meaning of Jesus' words.
I learned that "every useless word" comes from the Greek rema argos, meaning "careless or inactive or unprofitable words." Some other Bible translations use every idle word, every empty word, or every careless word. Idle? Empty? Careless? Words aren't just utterances. My thoughts went to the power of words; they can
Wound or heal
Break down or build-up
Discourage or encourage
This passage reminded me of a friend's wisdom as I prepared to have a difficult conversation with another friend. She said: "Ask God for the words. If the words don't come, keep your mouth shut." Waiting for God's guidance helps me utter words that heal, build up, and help.
I look to the Holy Spirit to tame my tongue and guide my words. This Lent, I will consciously practice using helpful words daily. The words from Psalm 141:3 will guide me:
"Set a guard over my mouth, LORD;
Keep close watch over the door of my lips."
Amen.