36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

Other Translations of Matthew 12:36

New International Version

36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.

English Standard Version

36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,

The Message

36 Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously.

New King James Version

36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.

New Living Translation

36 And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 12:36

Commentary on Matthew 12:33-37

(Read Matthew 12:33-37)

Men's language discovers what country they are of, likewise what manner of spirit they are of. The heart is the fountain, words are the streams. A troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring, must send forth muddy and unpleasant streams. Nothing but the salt of grace, cast into the spring, will heal the waters, season the speech, and purify the corrupt communication. An evil man has an evil treasure in his heart, and out of it brings forth evil things. Lusts and corruptions, dwelling and reigning in the heart, are an evil treasure, out of which the sinner brings forth bad words and actions, to dishonour God, and hurt others. Let us keep constant watch over ourselves, that we may speak words agreeable to the Christian character.