20160111 Evil Hearts, Idle Words

Evil Hearts, Idle Words

Matthew 12:31-37 "So I tell you, every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven—except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven.  (32)  Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, either in this world or in the world to come.  (33)  "A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad.  (34)  You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.  (35)  A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.  (36)  And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.  (37)  The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you."

It’s been several weeks since I last wrote here, so let me remind you what the Pharisees had said. Matthew 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard about the miracle, they said, "No wonder He can cast out demons. He gets His power from Satan, the prince of demons."

In verses 22-30 Jesus sheds some logic on their thinking. In this passage He sheds some frightening light on their dark hearts. Those who blaspheme the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. What is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? Jesus explains it clearly here. It is speaking against the Holy Spirit. It is calling the work of God, demonic. For that reason, we must be careful about judging another man’s work. Romans 14:4 Who are you to condemn someone else's servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval.

We have discussed this before. We can judge an action as good or bad, sinful or righteous, but we cannot judge the motive of the heart. And, in the case of good works, we cannot judge the power behind them. God often used wicked people to accomplish His works.

What we should really concern ourselves with is our own hearts. I must ask myself and you must ask yourself, “What is in my heart? Is my heart wicked? What pours forth from my mouth?

In verses 36 and 37 Jesus takes it back to our words. It is with words that we blaspheme. It is with words that we praise and give thanks. It is with words that we condemn our fellow man. It is with words we criticize, gossip, encourage, console, bless.

What do your words reveal about your heart? Jesus said we will be judged for every idle word. Strong defines “idle word” as a word that produces no good effect. Are your words producing good? Are they building someone up? Encouraging someone? Bringing joy to someone?

I know I quote this passage often, but it should be the cry of our hearts and today it is my prayer for all of us.

Father in heaven, Psalms 19:14 May the words of my (our) mouth and the meditation of my (our) heart(‘s) be pleasing to You, O LORD, my (our) rock and my (our) redeemer.

And Father, put a guard on our lips. Let no blasphemous words escape us. Cleanse our hearts of all evil. Fill them with praise for You and Your marvelous works. Fill them with encouragement for our fellow human beings, especially those of the household of faith. In Jesus Holy Name, AMEN!!!