Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 12:37

"For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." — Matthew 12:37 (ASV)

A person will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment for every seemingly insignificant word spoken insofar as it reveals what is in the heart. Every spoken word reflects the heart’s overflow and is known to God. Therefore words are of critical importance (cf. Ephesians 5:3–4, 12; Colossians 3:17; James 1:19; James 3:1–12).