“I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement.”
(Matthew 12:36)

Here all corrupt communication, jesting, foolish talking, and whatever is not convenient and good to the use of edifying, are plainly forbidden.

But who truly believes the purport 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 of reviling, lying, swearing, jesting, and talking all manner of filthiness.

Even religious people do not sufficiently believe and consider these important subjects.

How many heedless, slanderous, idle, and unprofitable words do they occasionally utter!

Be therefore careful, O my reader, to weigh every word and to make light of none, for such will increase thine account.

Whenever thou art 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 first to converse with Thee by secret prayer. In all companies let Thy presence be before mine eyes; let me always look upon Thee as the chief Person in the place, and receive direction when and what I am to speak. May Thy good Spirit always teach me and sanctify all my thoughts and words.

O, for grace to honour Jesus by every thought, every word, and every act!

O, to keep the great day and the white’ throne always in view!

Bogatsky