In the book of Mathew it says, every idle word we say will be used to judge us. I don't think you could argue with that statement. The words we say or write can have a profound effect upon others. Whether you believe in the final judgement or not your own words can condemn you. An old adage immediately comes to mind. " Oh what a tangled web we weave, when we first practice to deceive." That , of course, refers to telling lies. It takes an agile mind to keep track of it all, doesn't it ? But it is not only lies that may be our downfall, the spreading of gossip is just as harmful. If you get the reputation for being less than honest or telling tales you status in society is lowered. Can I share intimate thoughts with you ? Can I be confident that they will remain with you ?
This does go further than that. Idle words. What are idle words ? They are those things we say without giving proper thought to what we wish to say. Those are the things we sometimes say to be funny, or to hurt. Words spoken in anger are often ill considered. Idle words stem from idle thoughts. We hear a lot about bullying these days. That is an example of idle words. It is also why we were taught, "sticks and stones can break my bones but names will never hurt me." What we were being taught there was, those words do us no permanent harm but cause injury to those using them. Every idle word will be used to judge us. If we are aware of that, than those idle words will do us no harm. Will it cause us distress ? Yes, it probably will. The thing to keep in mind is the long term. Those that use hurtful language or spread lies and gossip do not only target you. No, those that behave in that fashion will continue to behave that way towards others. They will be judged. We all know some that are like that.
I believe what Mathew was talking about was choosing our words carefully. It goes hand in hand with another verse that I shared a few days ago. In Ephesians chapter 5 verse 15 it says, " see then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools,but as wise. " In other words think about what you are saying and doing before you do it ! Do not act foolishly or irrationally. Live your life with integrity and truth.
There are a lot of " reality shows " that seem to reward just the opposite of these behaviors. Remember that they are games. Life is not a game and those you encounter are not pawns in your game. Just what reputation do you wish to foster ? I am not talking about an artificial image as they do on those shows, I am talking about the real you. If you are just talking to create an image, are those not idle words ? It is those words that will condemn you ie: get you thrown out !
Some of you reading this may get distracted by my Bible references. I hope that is not the case. I am not preaching here but pointing out some truths. Even to the non believer the Bible holds many truths. There is much guidance for life in those pages. I know that I have been guilty of using those idle words. Many of the everyday adages we are all familiar with come from the pages of the Bible. I believe that is because they are truth. Think before you speak. You must live your words, not just speak them.
This does go further than that. Idle words. What are idle words ? They are those things we say without giving proper thought to what we wish to say. Those are the things we sometimes say to be funny, or to hurt. Words spoken in anger are often ill considered. Idle words stem from idle thoughts. We hear a lot about bullying these days. That is an example of idle words. It is also why we were taught, "sticks and stones can break my bones but names will never hurt me." What we were being taught there was, those words do us no permanent harm but cause injury to those using them. Every idle word will be used to judge us. If we are aware of that, than those idle words will do us no harm. Will it cause us distress ? Yes, it probably will. The thing to keep in mind is the long term. Those that use hurtful language or spread lies and gossip do not only target you. No, those that behave in that fashion will continue to behave that way towards others. They will be judged. We all know some that are like that.
I believe what Mathew was talking about was choosing our words carefully. It goes hand in hand with another verse that I shared a few days ago. In Ephesians chapter 5 verse 15 it says, " see then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools,but as wise. " In other words think about what you are saying and doing before you do it ! Do not act foolishly or irrationally. Live your life with integrity and truth.
There are a lot of " reality shows " that seem to reward just the opposite of these behaviors. Remember that they are games. Life is not a game and those you encounter are not pawns in your game. Just what reputation do you wish to foster ? I am not talking about an artificial image as they do on those shows, I am talking about the real you. If you are just talking to create an image, are those not idle words ? It is those words that will condemn you ie: get you thrown out !
Some of you reading this may get distracted by my Bible references. I hope that is not the case. I am not preaching here but pointing out some truths. Even to the non believer the Bible holds many truths. There is much guidance for life in those pages. I know that I have been guilty of using those idle words. Many of the everyday adages we are all familiar with come from the pages of the Bible. I believe that is because they are truth. Think before you speak. You must live your words, not just speak them.
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