What Are We Saying?

“On the day of judgment, each of us will stand face-to-face with God to give account for every careless word.”

“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37 (ESV)

My journey with words is one God continues to highlight in my life, still to this very day. 

In my teens, I didn’t give second thoughts about what came out of my mouth. Let’s be real, my words back then were mostly fueled by anger and emotions. In my young adult life, I continued to say what was on my mind without apology. As I started working in a professional setting, I learned how to speak with tact but felt compelled to share my opinions. Now in my mid-thirties, God, in His graciousness, is teaching me the importance of our words.  

Every single word we speak has implications, good or bad, positive or negative. Our mouth is a tool loaded with weapons to destroy or build. It’s our choice on how we use our weapon. 

On the day of judgment, each of us will stand face-to-face with God to give account for every careless word. I’m not exactly sure what this entails, but how sobering! And so it begs the question…

What are we saying? 

What am I saying?

We say 20,000 words per day on average. How many of those words advance God’s kingdom? How many of those words are used to build up our children, family, and friends? How many of those words were thought through before spoken? 

Moms, we will never reach “the destination” where our words are always eloquently flowing with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We will inevitably say things out of impulse, frustration, passion, boredom, or anger. In those moments, remember, we serve a God who extends grace over and over again. 

Let’s choose to really think about the words coming out of our mouths and be a model to the next generation. 

Action Step: 

• Read Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 17:28, Proverbs 18:21

• Join me in prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the power to speak and communicate. My desire is to honor You in all that I do, including what I say. Please pour wisdom and guidance onto me, Lord, so that my words are honorable in Your sight. In Your mighty name, Amen.

Written by Amy, mom of 2 boys