A.T. Robertson Commentary Matthew 12:36

"And 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 (ASV)

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?