We all know how much good – or harm – words can do in this life, but Jesus says they are even more significant than that. Not only do they reveal what otherwise is hidden, they also spell out our future.
The fruit of truth and verdict on power
Matthew 12:33–37
A Tree Is Known by Its Fruit
33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
