Page 011 - Idle Words Are Not Meaningless
*Verses from AMP
"You offspring of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil (wicked)? For out of the fullness (the overflow, the [a]superabundance) of the heart the mouth speaks.The good man from his inner good treasure flings forth good things, and the evil man out of his inner evil storehouse flings forth evil things.But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak." (Amp: Matthew 12:34-36)
I used to think that idle words were just meaningless sayings. Often when we are with friends or one's spouse, we make frivolous comments or make light jokes. Yet, the Lord Jesus was not referring to these kinds of off-the-hand comments. No! He was pointing to words that have a negative impact proceeding from evil intentions.
In Matthew 20:3, 6, the Lord spoke about men who were idle in the market place because they chose not to work. They did nothing that was beneficial all day. In 1 Timothy 5:13 the word refers to gossips and busybodies who say what they should not say and talk of things they should not mention. In Titus 1:12 those who are idle are liars, hurtful beasts, and lazy gluttons. An idle person tends to be unfruitful because they lack growth n the divine life. (2 Peter 1:8). They may have a tendency to speak one way, but in reality are hypocrites who do not live up to what they profess (Luke 12:1-3).
Idle words tear down others rather than build them up. They are words which are unprofitable and useless. Anyone guilty of this offense the Lord will judge severely.