While rebuking his opponents in Matthew 12:36 (ESV) Jesus said: “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak…”

Wow.

Everyone will have to give an account. Who? Some people? No. Everyone. What will they have to give an account of? A few of the careless words they’ve spoken? No. All of them.

Today’s devotional is a simple reminder to be careful with your words. I believe it was Mark Twain who said: “A lie can get halfway around the world before the truth can even get its boots on.”

That’s true, isn’t it? Slander, gossip, and lies can sometimes rival the speed of light in their ability to get somewhere fast.

So be careful with your words. Not only could they hurt someone (see James 3:8), but they could hurt you, according to Jesus. “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give an account for every careless word they speak…”

None of us are perfect. I’ve certainly said things I wish I could take back. Perhaps the same is true for you.

That’s why we ask for forgiveness, heed Jesus’ words, and start again.

Words matter. And so do the people we speak to.

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Notes:

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.