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Matthew 12:36
Verse
Context
Good and Bad Fruit
35The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure.36But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.37For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment--They might say, "It was nothing: we meant no evil; we merely threw out a supposition, as one way of accounting for the miracle we witnessed; if it will not stand, let it go; why make so much of it, and bear down with such severity for it?" Jesus replies, "It was not nothing, and at the great day will not be treated as nothing: Words, as the index of the heart, however idle they may seem, will be taken account of, whether good or bad, in estimating character in the day of judgment."
John Gill Bible Commentary
The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment,.... Alluding either to the custom and practice of witnesses, who rise up from their seats, and stand, when they give in their testimonies in a court of judicature; or else, referring to the time of the general resurrection from the dead, at the last day, when these men shall rise from the dead, and stand in judgment with this generation; shall rise when they do, and stand before the judgment seat together, and be against them, and shall condemn them; not as judges of them, but by their example and practices, which will be brought above board, and observed as an aggravation of the guilt and condemnation of the Jews: so the lives and conversations of the saints condemn the wicked now, and will do hereafter: in this sense the word is used in the Talmud (o); where having related how Hillell, though a poor man, and R. Eleazar, though a rich man, studied in the law, and Joseph, though youthful, gay, and beautiful, withstood the importunities of his mistress, it is observed, that Hillell "condemned" the poor; and R. Eleazar ben Harsum condemned the rich; and Joseph condemned the wicked: in like manner, the Ninevites will condemn the Jews, because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; a mere man, a single prophet, a stranger to these men, who only preached, and wrought no miracle among them, and his stay with them was very short; whereas the men of this generation had the Son of God "sent" to them, had the ministry of his apostles, and of John the Baptist, and a variety of miracles wrought among them; and all this for a series and course of years, and yet remained impenitent: the chief aggravation of their impenitence, and what made it the more astonishing was, that so great a person was in the midst of them; and behold, a greater than Jonas is here; meaning himself, who was greater in person, office, doctrine, miracles, life, obedience, sufferings, death, and resurrection from the dead. The Ninevites, though a Heathenish people, having but forty days allowed them to repent in, upon Jonas's preaching, repented immediately; whereas the Jews, though God's: professing people, and having forty years, from Christ's resurrection, allowed them to repent in, yet did not at all; and though the repentance of the Ninevites was but an external one, in dust and ashes, yet it was what secured them from temporal ruin; as the Jews would have been saved from the destruction that came upon their temple, city, and nation, had they repented but as they did. (o) T. Bab. Yoma, fol. 35. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:36-37 The idle word, in this context, was the accusation that Jesus had demonic inspiration. • What one says will acquit or condemn; one’s words reflect the true condition of the heart.
Matthew 12:36
Good and Bad Fruit
35The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure.36But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.37For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
"Hitler and Herod at the Judgment"
By Leonard Ravenhill9.3K00:18MAT 12:36This sermon delves into the concept of accountability before Jesus Christ, exploring the idea of various historical figures like Pharaoh, Herod the Great, and Hitler having to answer for their actions, particularly in relation to mass killings. It challenges listeners to reflect on the consequences of such atrocities and the ultimate judgment that awaits all individuals, emphasizing the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness.
Judgement Seat of Believers
By Leonard Ravenhill7.0K1:20:18Judgment Seat Of ChristEXO 28:17MAT 12:36ROM 8:11CO 3:13JUD 1:6REV 21:4In this sermon transcript, the preacher describes a dream of a great judgment morning at a camp, where the nations gather before the white throne for judgment. The preacher emphasizes the importance of using time wisely and not wasting it, citing the example of a man who diligently studied even while riding on horseback. The preacher also emphasizes that rewards in eternity must be earned and that there is no free pass into heaven. The sermon concludes with a description of the judgment seat of life, where people from all walks of life, including rich and powerful individuals, will stand trembling before Jesus Christ.
(1 Corinthians) ch.1:25-2:16
By Zac Poonen6.7K43:461SA 3:19JER 23:29MAT 12:36ACT 1:81CO 1:311CO 2:21CO 3:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not relying on human wisdom or cleverness when preaching the word of God. He highlights the need to speak about the things that God freely gives and not boast in our own abilities. The speaker also emphasizes the significance of the words that come out of our mouths, as Jesus said that we will be held accountable for every idle word spoken. He encourages preachers to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit and the proof of God's power in their words, rather than trying to impress people with their own abilities.
The End Times (Luke 17-26) - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill5.1K38:51End TimesGEN 6:5MAT 11:20MAT 12:36MAT 16:26MAT 22:37MAT 24:37MAT 28:19In this sermon, the speaker expresses his deep concern for the spiritual state of America and England. He references Matthew 11:20-21, where Jesus rebukes the cities of Khorazin and Bethsaida for not repenting despite witnessing mighty works. The speaker laments the lack of spiritual fervor in society, comparing it to the days of Noah. He emphasizes the need for individuals to prioritize reading and meditating on God's Word and to be broken-hearted over the sin and brokenness in the world.
The Greatest Prayer
By Leonard Ravenhill4.5K1:05:14PrayerISA 12:3MAT 12:36JHN 7:38JHN 17:9JHN 17:161PE 1:8In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the high priestly prayer of Jesus in John 17. He emphasizes the need for believers to prioritize their anger and concern for things that align with God's will. The speaker also highlights the importance of living a spirit-filled life, which is characterized by fruitfulness and beauty. He mentions that the Gospel of John provides a unique perspective on Jesus' ministry, with a focus on miracles and the deeper meaning behind them. The speaker concludes by sharing a personal story of a man who experienced the joy and transformation of salvation.
Judgement Seat 1-31-91 - Part 3
By Leonard Ravenhill3.5K21:26Judgment Seat Of ChristMAT 12:36MAT 16:271CO 3:122CO 5:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of using our time wisely and building our lives on a solid foundation. He criticizes wasting time on trivial activities like watching sports or movies instead of dedicating that time to God. The preacher warns that we will be held accountable for how we have used our time and the words we have spoken. He also highlights the need for humility and surrendering our own desires and ambitions in order to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The sermon references 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, which speaks about the judgment of our works and the importance of the quality, not the quantity, of our actions.
Road to Reality - the Fear of the Lord - Part 2
By K.P. Yohannan3.1K25:58Fear Of The LordPRO 9:10MAT 6:33MAT 12:36LUK 9:23ROM 2:161CO 6:19HEB 12:29In this sermon, K. P. Ohanan shares his personal journey of faith and his passion for spreading the word of God. He reflects on the importance of living a life dedicated to serving the Lord and fulfilling His call. Ohanan emphasizes the need for Christians to prioritize the salvation of the lost and to be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of the Gospel. He encourages listeners to fear the Lord and to recognize the blessings they have received, urging them to become a blessing to others by participating in mission projects and sharing the love of Christ with millions of people.
The Damnation of Hell - Part 1 (Compilation)
By Compilations2.5K29:12CompilationPRO 6:16ISA 55:1MAT 12:36LUK 15:10ROM 2:5ROM 9:202PE 2:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the consequences of rejecting God and living a life of sin. He vividly describes the torment and despair that awaits those who die without repentance. The preacher argues that the Bible is filled with statements and doctrines that confirm the dreadful fate of the unrepentant. He also addresses objections to the justice of God's punishment, stating that those who reject God's offer of salvation cannot complain when they face eternal punishment. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of accepting Jesus Christ and warns of the severe judgment that awaits those who remain unbelieving.
War on Earth - Part 2
By Derek Prince2.1K28:34DEU 18:9PSA 139:23AMO 5:14MAT 12:36MRK 9:24JHN 8:44EPH 6:12JAS 3:161PE 3:6This sermon delves into the topic of demons, distinguishing them from devils and exploring their potential origins as disembodied spirits. It recounts a personal experience of deliverance from various demons, highlighting the desperate craving of demons to occupy human bodies. The sermon also addresses how demons can enter individuals through various means like prenatal exposure, emotional shock, sinful acts, and idle words, emphasizing the importance of repentance and deliverance.
The Fear of the Lord - Part 2
By K.P. Yohannan2.0K42:48Fear Of The LordGEN 12:2PRO 9:10MAT 12:36LUK 12:48ACT 1:8ROM 2:16HEB 12:29In this video, Brother KP Johanin discusses the importance of fearing the Lord and how it can impact our lives. He emphasizes that God has called and blessed us to be a blessing to others in this generation. Johanin shares stories from his own life to illustrate the significance of fearing the Lord. He also mentions the challenges faced by missionaries in Asia due to martial law, but highlights the growth of the church in spite of these obstacles. Overall, the message encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God and to live a life of sacrifice and obedience.
The Purpose of Trials
By Paul West1.7K49:59JOB 7:17JOB 42:5MAT 12:36JAS 1:51PE 1:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of progressing in the school of God and not remaining stagnant in one's faith. He compares spiritual growth to advancing through different grades in school, highlighting the need to pass the tests and trials that God allows in our lives. The speaker shares a personal experience of losing a loved one and how it revealed a hole in his heart that needed to be filled with God's presence. He encourages listeners to prioritize spending time in the Word of God and seeking His ways in order to progress and grow spiritually.
Know Them by Their Fruit
By Carey Dye1.5K1:14:11DiscernmentMAT 12:36PHP 3:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing our sins and the consequences they have before God. He challenges the notion that God's love means He will overlook our transgressions, comparing it to a judge who pardons a criminal without consequence. The preacher also criticizes preachers who tolerate ungodly behavior in their churches for the sake of financial gain. He then highlights the message of redemption through Jesus Christ, explaining that Jesus died on the cross to bear the punishment for our sins and offers salvation to those who receive Him.
(The Church and Satans Wiles) 4 - Free From Discontentment
By Zac Poonen1.5K1:10:20MAT 7:1MAT 12:36MAT 22:39PHP 2:5PHP 2:14HEB 2:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God in a simple and understandable manner. He shares how he personally checks with children if they understood his message, and if they don't, he feels the need to simplify it further. The preacher warns that if we cannot communicate the message of God effectively to children, we will fail in our purpose on earth. He also highlights the danger of seeking our own desires and urges listeners to be content with what God has given them. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that the work of Jesus continues through his spiritual body, the church, and that each individual has a role to play in spreading the gospel.
Preparing for Spiritual Awakening as Men
By Gordon Bailey1.4K47:12Spiritual AwakeningPRO 22:6MAT 6:33MAT 12:361CO 3:11EPH 6:41TI 6:11JAS 5:12In this sermon, the speaker expresses concern about the current state of Christianity and emphasizes the importance of personal growth and transformation. He shares a personal anecdote about his son exhibiting his own bad habits, which serves as a reminder of the influence we have on others. The speaker also discusses the need for Christians to support and restore one another, using the analogy of jumper cables to illustrate the importance of handling delicate situations with care. He concludes by addressing the issue of moral failures within the church, including television evangelism, and highlights the need for spiritual awakening and preparation in order to prevent further falls.
Words of Power and Grace
By Joshua Daniel1.1K25:41PSA 107:20PRO 18:21ISA 40:8MAT 7:16MAT 12:36MRK 1:29LUK 4:22EPH 4:29This sermon emphasizes the importance of counting our blessings and acknowledging the works of God in our lives. It delves into the power of words and the impact they can have on others, highlighting the need for uplifting language and the avoidance of vulgarity. The sermon also touches on the significance of family dynamics and the role of prayer in bringing blessings to the family table. Additionally, it discusses the authority and power of Jesus in driving out evil spirits and the necessity of spreading the scriptures for the well-being of a nation.
The Damnation of Hell - Part 1 (Voice Only)
By Compilations1.1K28:29CompilationPSA 9:17MAT 12:36LUK 15:10LUK 16:25ROM 6:23HEB 9:27REV 20:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the seriousness of idle words and their consequences in the judgment. He passionately expresses his concern for the listeners, urging them to recognize the gravity of their actions. The preacher also addresses the question of the fairness of eternal punishment for sin, explaining that it is justified because sin is ultimately against God. He shares a personal story of witnessing his wife's agony and relates it to God's forsaking of Jesus on the cross. The sermon highlights the need for repentance and the importance of understanding the weight of our words and actions.
Hidden Sin - Part 6
By Joshua Daniel1.1K09:09PRO 18:21MAT 12:36EPH 4:29JAS 1:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit to be the ultimate communicator, convicting hearts in various settings. It challenges individuals to assess the quality of their communication and the responsibility that comes with sharing God's message. The speaker highlights the need for genuine, Christ-like communication and the significance of true repentance and moral responsibility in worship and service.
Reflect the Light of the Son
By Arno Stegen1.0K1:01:53Son Of GodMAT 5:16MAT 12:36EPH 5:3EPH 5:8EPH 5:201JN 1:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking in the light and avoiding the works of darkness. He shares a story of a man who was converted and became a preacher of the gospel. The preacher also discusses the prevalence of silly talk and coarse jesting in society and how it goes against the teachings of the Bible. He highlights the need to be connected to God, who is always close by and a source of light. Additionally, the preacher mentions the decline of church attendance in some countries and the need to bring the gospel to far away nations.
Christian Missions to the Communist World International - Pt2
By Richard Wurmbrand1.0K1:14:50MissionsMAT 12:36MAT 17:2ROM 12:15EPH 4:321TH 5:171PE 3:8REV 22:17In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of being imprisoned for 14 years in communist jails. He talks about the physical hardships they endured, such as heavy chains and beatings. Despite the persecution, the speaker emphasizes the importance of revolutionizing the world with love instead of hatred. He shares a powerful story of a pastor who faced the choice of denying his faith or facing torture, highlighting the unity and interconnectedness of believers as one body in Jesus Christ. The sermon also acknowledges the generosity of the congregation in supporting the families of Christian martyrs.
How to Be an Example in Word
By Don Currin96532:17ExampleMAT 12:36In this sermon, the speaker discusses the potential for revival in the hearts of believers. They express concern that often, when gathering together for revival, people unintentionally hinder the work of God's Spirit. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being an example in word, using the Bible as the foundation for our messages and avoiding excessive speech that does not honor the Spirit. They also encourage listeners to be patient with those who may not yet appreciate revival, allowing them to grow in grace. The sermon is based on 1 Timothy 4:12 and highlights the need to be an example in word, conversation, charity, spirit, faith, and purity.
Process of Becoming a Bride - Part 4
By Hattie Hammond89032:47Bride Of ChristMAT 10:37MAT 12:36MAT 24:12GAL 2:20EPH 5:16REV 5:9REV 19:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the urgency of the Holy Spirit's work in the world today. They highlight the acceleration of sin and ungodliness, with blasphemy against Jesus becoming more prevalent. Despite these challenges, the speaker reminds the audience of their privileged position as believers, having the opportunity to know and hear the voice of God. They emphasize the importance of not drawing back but fully embracing the price Jesus paid for believers to share in his throne. The sermon concludes with a call to learn to say "amen" to God's will, just as the worship in heaven is filled with adoration and affirmation of God's glory.
Thoughts on That Judgment Day by Leonard Ravenhill
By Compilations88607:05PSA 51:17MAL 3:16MAT 12:36MAT 25:212CO 5:10PHP 3:20COL 3:2JAS 4:10JAS 4:141PE 4:17This sermon emphasizes the need for believers to have a deep revelation of the majesty of God and the accountability they will face at the judgment seat of Christ. It challenges the church to return to a place of true devotion, prayer, and obedience, living with eternity's values in view and being willing to be transformed by God's presence.
Early Men Believed in Final Judgment!
By Ian Brown73629:00JOB 14:14MAT 12:36ACT 3:19ROM 14:12EPH 2:8TIT 3:14HEB 9:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the individual accountability we all have before God. He uses the example of the precision and advanced technology in the Gulf War to illustrate how God's judgment is intensely individual. While many may seek to make a name for themselves and stand out, when faced with standing before God, everyone will realize the importance of blending in and being part of a faceless mass. However, the preacher emphasizes that God will give each person individual attention and there will be no escaping His judgment. The purpose of the judgment is to silence every mouth and make all people guilty before God.
God's People Humble and Epentant
By Erlo Stegen6581:00:03Repentance2CH 7:14MAT 5:22MAT 12:36In the sermon transcripts, three different stories are shared to convey important messages about God's will and the consequences of our actions. The first story tells of a girl who is far from her family but finds strength in knowing that it is God's will. The second story warns against the dangers of being lured by rich girls who offer material things, as it can lead to unexpected consequences. The third story emphasizes the power of God's control over nature, stating that if He closes the heavens, there will be drought and pestilence. These stories serve as cautionary tales and reminders of the importance of following God's will and being cautious in our choices.
Unremovable Traces
By Basilea Schlink58004:35Radio ShowPRO 4:23DAN 12:2MAT 6:33MAT 12:36MAT 25:46ROM 8:292CO 3:18The video is a sermon about the importance of taking precautions to maintain a beautiful appearance even as one gets older. The speaker shares an experience of seeing a painting of old ladies with bitter and repulsive faces, which made her wonder how they got that way. She emphasizes that our thoughts and words leave marks on our faces, and in eternity, we will bear the image of what we have lived by. The speaker urges listeners to repent and fight against negative thoughts and emotions, so that they can bear the image of Jesus Christ and radiate His love.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment--They might say, "It was nothing: we meant no evil; we merely threw out a supposition, as one way of accounting for the miracle we witnessed; if it will not stand, let it go; why make so much of it, and bear down with such severity for it?" Jesus replies, "It was not nothing, and at the great day will not be treated as nothing: Words, as the index of the heart, however idle they may seem, will be taken account of, whether good or bad, in estimating character in the day of judgment."
John Gill Bible Commentary
The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment,.... Alluding either to the custom and practice of witnesses, who rise up from their seats, and stand, when they give in their testimonies in a court of judicature; or else, referring to the time of the general resurrection from the dead, at the last day, when these men shall rise from the dead, and stand in judgment with this generation; shall rise when they do, and stand before the judgment seat together, and be against them, and shall condemn them; not as judges of them, but by their example and practices, which will be brought above board, and observed as an aggravation of the guilt and condemnation of the Jews: so the lives and conversations of the saints condemn the wicked now, and will do hereafter: in this sense the word is used in the Talmud (o); where having related how Hillell, though a poor man, and R. Eleazar, though a rich man, studied in the law, and Joseph, though youthful, gay, and beautiful, withstood the importunities of his mistress, it is observed, that Hillell "condemned" the poor; and R. Eleazar ben Harsum condemned the rich; and Joseph condemned the wicked: in like manner, the Ninevites will condemn the Jews, because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; a mere man, a single prophet, a stranger to these men, who only preached, and wrought no miracle among them, and his stay with them was very short; whereas the men of this generation had the Son of God "sent" to them, had the ministry of his apostles, and of John the Baptist, and a variety of miracles wrought among them; and all this for a series and course of years, and yet remained impenitent: the chief aggravation of their impenitence, and what made it the more astonishing was, that so great a person was in the midst of them; and behold, a greater than Jonas is here; meaning himself, who was greater in person, office, doctrine, miracles, life, obedience, sufferings, death, and resurrection from the dead. The Ninevites, though a Heathenish people, having but forty days allowed them to repent in, upon Jonas's preaching, repented immediately; whereas the Jews, though God's: professing people, and having forty years, from Christ's resurrection, allowed them to repent in, yet did not at all; and though the repentance of the Ninevites was but an external one, in dust and ashes, yet it was what secured them from temporal ruin; as the Jews would have been saved from the destruction that came upon their temple, city, and nation, had they repented but as they did. (o) T. Bab. Yoma, fol. 35. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:36-37 The idle word, in this context, was the accusation that Jesus had demonic inspiration. • What one says will acquit or condemn; one’s words reflect the true condition of the heart.