Mat 12:36 | RWP | e4.org | Every idle word ( παν ρημα αργον ). An ineffective, useless word ( α privative and εργον ). A word that does no good and so is pernicious like pernicious anaemia. It is a solemn thought. Jesus who knows our very thoughts ( ) insists that our words reveal our thoughts and form a just basis for the interpretation of character ( ). Here we have judgment by words as in where Jesus presents judgment by deeds. Both are real tests of actual character. Homer spoke of "winged words" ( πτεροεντα επεα ). And by the radio our words can be heard all round the earth. Who knows where they stop?

‏ Matthew 12:36

Every idle word ( παν ρημα αργον ). An ineffective, useless word ( α privative and εργον ). A word that does no good and so is pernicious like pernicious anaemia. It is a solemn thought. Jesus who knows our very thoughts (12:25) insists that our words reveal our thoughts and form a just basis for the interpretation of character (12:37). Here we have judgment by words as in 25:31-46 where Jesus presents judgment by deeds. Both are real tests of actual character. Homer spoke of "winged words" ( πτεροεντα επεα ). And by the radio our words can be heard all round the earth. Who knows where they stop?