Matthew 12:36 “For Every Idle Word”

“For Every Idle Word Men May Speak” Ephesians 5:1-8 Matthew 12:32-37 We will all give an account for every idle word that we speak What we say will either justify or condemn us In all that we say we must show reverence for God

“For Every Idle Word” Jesus instructed his disciples to call God’s name “hallowed” - Matthew 6:9-10

“Hallowed” G37 ἁγιάζω hagiazō hag-ee-ad'-zo From G40; to make holy, that is, (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate: - hallow, be holy, sanctify. (Strong)

“For Every Idle Word” Jesus instructed his disciples to call God’s name “hallowed” - Matthew 6:9-10 Deuteronomy 5:11 “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” (NKJV)

“Vain” H7723 שׁו / שׁוא shâv' / shav BDB Definition: 1) emptiness, vanity, falsehood 1a) emptiness, nothingness, vanity 1b) emptiness of speech, lying 1c) worthlessness (of conduct) Part of Speech: noun masculine (BDB)

“For Every Idle Word” Jesus instructed his disciples to call God’s name “hallowed” - Matthew 6:9-10 Deuteronomy 5:11 “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” (NKJV) Leviticus 22:32 “You shall not profane My holy name, but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel. I am the Lord who sanctifies you”

“Profane” H2490 חלל châlal BDB Definition: 1) to profane, defile, pollute, desecrate, begin 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to profane oneself, defile oneself, pollute oneself 1a1a) ritually 1a1b) sexually 1a2) to be polluted, be defiled 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to profane, make common, defile, pollute 1b2) to violate the honour of, dishonour 1b3) to violate (a covenant) 1b4) to treat as common (BDB)

“For Every Idle Word” God’s name is also polluted by those who call themselves his children but disobey his will Israel disobeyed God, causing God’s name to be profaned - Ezekiel 36:16-23

“Cursing” Paul quotes O.T. scripture to show that people’s mouths are full of cursing – Rom. 3:9-18 Under the O. T. Law, cursing your mother or father was punishable by death. –Ex. 20:12; 21:17 Peter stumbled when he cursed to emphatically claim he was not a disciple of Christ – Matt. 26:69-75

“Inappropriate Talk” Paul talks about things that shouldn’t even be associated with Christians in – Eph. 5:1-8 Filthiness Foolish talking Course jesting Let it not be named among you

We Must Bridle Our Tongue James 1:26 “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless.” It is a hard thing to do – James 3:3-6 Colossians 4:5 “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (NKJV)

Conclusion What we’ve considered today is how we speak… It is a reflection of who we really are at heart Cursing, inappropriate speech, euphemisms – they ought not to be named among us We must bridle our tongues We represent God to the world In all that we say, we must show respect and reverence for God We will give a give an account for every idle word we speak

Matthew 12:36 “For Every Idle Word”