Matthew 12:37

For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

For {G1063} by {G1537} thy {G4675} words {G3056} thou shalt be justified {G1344}, and {G2532} by {G1537} thy {G4675} words {G3056} thou shalt be condemned {G2613}.

for by your own words you will be acquitted, and by your own words you will be condemned."

For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Commentary

Matthew 12:37 (KJV) delivers a profound and sobering truth from Jesus Christ, serving as a concluding statement to His discourse on the connection between one's inner character and outward expressions, particularly speech. This verse emphasizes the immense spiritual weight and eternal consequences of our words.

Context

This powerful statement is found within a larger section where Jesus confronts the Pharisees who accused Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of devils. Jesus refutes their blasphemous claims, warning them about the unpardonable sin against the Holy Spirit. He then transitions to explaining that a tree is known by its fruit, leading to the crucial declaration in Matthew 12:34: "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." Verse 37 builds directly on this, as well as the preceding warning in Matthew 12:36 that men will give account for every idle word on the day of judgment.

Key Themes

  • The Power of Words: Jesus highlights that words are not mere sounds but powerful indicators of our spiritual state and instruments with eternal implications. They can either validate our faith and character or expose our true, corrupt nature.
  • Heart and Speech Connection: The verse reiterates the principle that what we say is a direct overflow of what is truly in our hearts. Good words spring from a good heart, and evil words from an evil one. This is a vital theme also seen in Luke 6:45.
  • Divine Judgment and Accountability: Ultimately, our words will serve as evidence in God's final judgment. They are not trivial but carry the weight of our moral and spiritual standing before God.
  • Justification and Condemnation: This verse presents a stark choice and consequence. Our speech will either align us with God's righteousness, demonstrating a transformed heart, or reveal our rebellion and inner sinfulness, leading to condemnation.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "justified" is dikaioō (δικαιόω), meaning to be declared righteous, acquitted, or vindicated. Conversely, "condemned" comes from katadikazō (καταδικάζω), meaning to be judged against, found guilty, or sentenced. The contrast is sharp: words are not just communication but a form of testimony, either for or against us in the ultimate divine court.

Practical Application

Matthew 12:37 calls believers to profound self-examination regarding their speech. It challenges us to:

  • Guard Our Hearts: Since words flow from the heart, cultivating a heart that is pure, loving, and submitted to God is paramount. This involves prayer, meditation on Scripture, and yielding to the Holy Spirit.
  • Exercise Responsibility in Speech: Every word carries weight. We are called to use our tongues for building up, encouraging, speaking truth in love, and glorifying God, rather than for gossip, slander, complaining, or idle chatter. The Book of James powerfully speaks to the destructive potential of the tongue.
  • Recognize the Evidence: Our words are not just what we say, but who we are. They are a constant indicator of our spiritual health and character, serving as evidence of whether we truly belong to Christ.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our speech is a critical component of our walk with God and will play a significant role in our eternal destiny.

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 13:3 (31 votes)

    ¶ He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: [but] he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

  • James 2:21 (3 votes)

    Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

  • James 2:25 (3 votes)

    Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent [them] out another way?