the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Golden Treasury
I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. Matthew 12:36. See also Ephesians 4:29. Ephesians 5:4.
Here all corrupt communication, jesting, foolish talking, or whatever is not convenient, and good to the use of edifying, is plainly forbidden. But who truly believes the report and the truth of these awful words? Surely the world does not believe them at all? This is quite plain, from that very common and shocking practice and custom of judging, lying, swearing, jesting, and talking all manner of filthiness, yea, even religious people very often do not believe and consider them enough. How many heedless, slanderous, idle, and unprofitable words, are sometimes spoken by these! Be therefore careful, my reader, to weigh every word, and to make light of none, for each will increase thine account. Whenever you are going to speak, let the question be first. Is it needful to speak? Does it tend to the glory of God? Will it profit me or others?
O Lord grant that never an idle word may drop from my lips. Whenever I am to converse with others, give me grace to converse with thee by secret prayers. In all companies, let thy presence be before mine eyes, always looking upon thee, as the chief person in the place, and receiving direction, when and what I am to speak. May thy good spirit always teach me and sanctify all my thoughts and words.
Thus I resolve before the Lord,
Now will I watch my tongue,
Lest I let slip one sinful word,
Or do my neighbour wrong.
