Matthew 12:36Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

"I assure you that for every careless word spoken by individuals, they will have to answer on the day of judgment" (Matthew 12:36). At this moment, He instills great fear in them. Do not presume, He warns, that this is the conclusion of all matters, thinking that slander is only accountable to human judgment. No; all who speak wickedly will endure severe consequences at the final judgment. He did not reference you specifically—partly to instruct everyone and partly to avoid using overly harsh and distressing language. A careless word refers to a remark that is out of place, false, maliciously slanderous, or, as some believe, meaningless speech that incites indecent laughter or is shameful and inappropriate.

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In this passage, the Lord warns us that we will be accountable for every careless word, including those that are untrue, defamatory, or disrespectful and mocking.

We will also face accountability for our careless words. What constitutes a careless word? It is a proclamation of faith that remains unactualized. One may profess belief in Christ and openly express faith, yet fail to act on His commands. Moreover, a word can be deemed careless when an individual claims to repent but continues in sin. Speaking ill of another is likewise a careless word; when one encounters the person being maligned, they fall silent. A person who lacks the courage to offer correction speaks ill of others, as their words lack conviction. Additionally, one who has separated themselves from falsehood could fall into idle chatter, as they may talk about actions unperformed and events unseen. Words that lack holiness are often merely empty sounds. Excessive speech is not without transgression; it reveals a deficiency in wisdom and understanding.

This statement is also related to the earlier context. Its essence is this: if an unproductive word, which fails to build up its listeners, poses a risk to the speaker, and if on the Day of Judgment everyone will be held accountable for their words, then all the more significant is your accountability for blaspheming the work of the Holy Spirit by claiming that I cast out demons by Beelzebub. An unproductive word is one not spoken for the benefit of both the speaker and the audience; it is when we neglect what truly matters to discuss trivial matters and recite old tales. However, one who engages in foolishness, incites others to laughter, and shares disgraceful remarks is guilty of more than just speaking unproductive words; such speech is criminal.

He considers as idle what is steeped in falsehood and deceit, or what is superfluous and detrimental; essentially, it encompasses both vindication and blame. In addition to vindication and blame, He frequently employs threats as a significant method of correction.

All teachers who speak empty words to others will face judgment and will be held accountable for the meaningless things they have created and the accusations they have made against God.

Exercise caution regarding false oaths, mockery, and blasphemous speech, including even the most trivial of words. For on the day of reckoning, you will be held accountable for every idle utterance, as the Lord has proclaimed. This is why David earnestly sought the Lord’s guidance, declaring, “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works” (Psalm 140:3-4). Moreover, he stated, “I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue; I will keep a muzzle on my mouth, while the wicked are before me; I was mute with silence, I held my peace even from good” (Psalm 38:2-3).

On the topic of empty and unproductive thoughts, I refer to those thoughts that neither aid in salvation nor are focused on it as vain and unproductive. These include reflections concerning our own spirit and those of others, which do not contribute to the essential sustenance of our physical being, but rather indulge in excess and unnecessary ponderings, even if such thoughts possess a semblance of goodness. According to St. Basil, vanity and unproductive thoughts arise from a mind that is unoccupied with what is essential, lacking the belief that God is omnipresent and scrutinizing our hearts and thoughts: ‘Discernment comes from the idleness of the mind, which is not occupied with the necessary.

I assure you that for every truthful utterance, for every statement that contradicts one's actions, for every lie that promotes slander, and for every empty, absurd, corrupt, or shameless word, as well as any that prove to be superfluous or inconsequential, individuals will be held accountable on the day of judgment. When a person's speech is sincere, honest, and virtuous, we can assume their heart reflects the same integrity, and such an individual will be acquitted in the presence of God. Conversely, if their words are deceitful and unrighteous, it reveals a heart filled with falsehood and wickedness, leading to their condemnation.

According to the interpretation provided by Chrysostom, an idle word is one that does not align with one's actions, is untrue, spreads defamation, or is devoid of meaning. This includes words that provoke inappropriate laughter, are shameful, shameless, or vulgar. On the day of the Last Judgment, individuals will be held accountable not only for their actions but also for every sinful utterance, as words reveal the innermost thoughts and emotions of a person.

An idle word is one that does not align with action, is deceitful, spreads falsehood, and, as some suggest, is a trivial expression that provokes inappropriate laughter or is considered disgraceful and indecent. According to Chrysostom, it refers to "any word that does not serve for real Christian benefit," as noted by Theophilus. On the day of judgment, Christ will carry out this judgment upon His return, as indicated in Matthew 25:31-46.