Idle words are common conversation in our society and I never had a deep thought about the implication of idle words until a few days ago when I read the book of Matthew chapter 12 verse 36 and 37 where Jesus says: “And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak. The words you say now reflect your fate, then; either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned.”
Today’s message will enlighten you on the significance of idle words and how to avoid your tongue from setting you ablaze.
Idle words can be described as every careless, insincere or exaggerated talk; it is indeed an undisciplined speech. Ephesians 5:4 mentioned some categories of idle word as; obscene stories, foolish talk, jesting and coarse jokes which are not appropriate for children of God.
Most times, some motivational speakers and preachers are involved in idle talk by sharing untrue or exaggerated story in the form of jokes to make the listeners or congregate to laugh. Is idle talk a safer speech to make?
Effects of Idle words in Every Speech
1. Idle words can kill
I have experienced a scenario where a talkative exaggerated his careless and unprofitable speech on campus and this lead to a serious chaos in the midst of the students.
Idle words can lead to war and killings of innocent souls and that is the reason King Solomon says: “Those who love to talk will experience the consequences, for the tongue can kill…’’ (Proverbs 18:21).
Spiritual death is also inevitable for careless talkers.
2. Idle words bring disrespect
Speaking idle words to make people laugh or to stir up trouble will not earn the speaker an iota of respect. No one will trust you whenever they noticed you are a talkative that exaggerates or involves in careless speech.
Such people cannot be a good leader at home or in the society because scriptures refer to them as fools in the book of Proverbs chapter 17 verses 28; “Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent, when they keep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.”
3. Speaking Idle word opens gates of hell
God never designed our eternity in hell, but those who involve themselves in careless talk or jokes are at a big risk to lose heaven.
Apostle James explained the importance of taming your tongue and to speak productive words only. “and the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness that can ruin your whole life. It can turn the entire course of your life into a blazing flame of destruction, for it is set on fire by hell itself.” (James chapter 3 verse 6. NLT)
How to Avoid Idle words in Your Speech
1. Be quick to listen, but slow to speak
Always think twice to discourage yourself from utterance of idle speech and it will yield positive impact to your wise audience. Reduce your speech frequency because talking too much attracts the intention of exaggeration. It is smart for you to devout your speech for spiritual benefits.
2. Discourage any form of idleness
Practice efficient time management of life to avoid boredom and you won’t become a talkative. Also occupy your mind with fruitful ideas that could help you and your audience. Reading the Bible, meditating the word of God and prayers are powerful steps that overcome idleness which can prevent you from making speech filled with idle words.
3. Submit your power of speech to the Holy Spirit
The character of someone filled with idle words shows that he is too confident in his ability to speak and their failure to accept the choice words from the Lord is the cause of their idle words. Those who speak idle words do not represent God in their speech just like the Pharisee.
To avoid condemnation on the judgment day it is important to train your sense of hearing to hear from the Spirit of the LORD in your heart before you speak.
Scriptures made us to understand that there is no condemnation for those who believe in Christ Jesus, but this declaration is only applicable to Christians who worship God with their whole heart and not with their lips alone.
