IDLE WORDS AND IDLE HEARTS

James 3:2 WMTH
For we often stumble and fall, all of us. If there is any one who never stumbles in speech, that man has reached maturity of character and is able to curb his whole nature.

Dear Believer,

If you ever want to grow to maturity, watch your words. The careless loquaciousness that many so-called Believers are known for is a strange characteristic unbecoming of a Believer in Christ.

Rumour mongering; busybodyism, fake news peddling and so on seem to be growing among some Believers. Jesus warned us:

Mathew 12:36-37 KJV
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Idle word here means vain word or worthless word. These are words that add nothing profitable to the speaker or the hearer. Not only shall the speaker give account before God for them, these words have the potential to even condemn them.

This is sobering. God knows our thoughts, imaginations and He hears our words. He has given us the power to bless with our words. (Numbers 23:20).

The Believer who seems eager to curse others because he is angry about something is a strange thing in the Kingdom.

Yes, there’s a class of ‘Believers’ who settle issues with curses. There are others who think nothing of telling unwholesome jokes. Some lie with ease. Many have trained their conscience to be silent when truth is being twisted in their mouth.

Our focus passage today tells us that we can determine the level of a Believer’s spiritual maturity by the words he speaks. If he doesn’t stumble, or offend with his words, we can say he is maturing well.

This is not just to judge others by; it is to judge yourself by.

James 1:26 WMTH
If a man thinks that he is scrupulously religious, although he is not curbing his tongue but is deceiving himself, his religious service is worthless.

‘Religious’ in this passage means ‘devout.’ A person’s devotion or commitment to spiritual services is worthless if he cannot bridle his tongue and say only what is good and necessary.

Importantly, Jesus said, “A good man from his good store produces good things, and a bad man from his bad store produces bad things.” (Mathtew 12:35). This means evil words are a product of an event heart.

Idle words proceed from idle hearts. A heart engaged in what is good will release it to bless the world.

Fill yourself with the Word of God and that is what will come out of you.

Have a beautiful day.

Your friend,
Deon.