My words

Jesus said in Matthew 12:36-37, "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." We use words for instruction, edification, and encouragement, but we also use them for gossip, slander, profanity, lying, and inappropriate talk. We will be judged by our words!

For this reason, Paul said negatively, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers" (Ephesians 4:29), and positively, "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." Instead of talking about people, cursing, or telling dirty jokes, how about using your words in confession of sin and prayer (James 5:15-16). This is a good use of one's words.

Let's make sure our heart reflects the good words of David: "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer" (Psalm 19:14). Amen!

Kyle Campbell