📖 Biblical Definition
Speech in Scripture is the use of words and is held to high accountability. Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment (Mt 12:36). The tongue is small but powerful (Jas 3:5-6), set on fire of hell, capable of igniting forests. The mouth speaks from the heart's abundance (Mt 12:34); reformation of speech requires reformation of heart.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
The use of words; accountable to God; the tongue's power small but vast.
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SPEECH, n. The faculty of uttering articulate sounds or words, as in human beings; the power of expressing thoughts by vocal sounds.
James 3:1-12 is the New Testament's most concentrated treatment of speech: small rudder, small fire, small tongue — vast effects.
📖 Key Scripture
Matthew 12:36 — "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."
James 3:5 — "Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!"
Ephesians 4:29 — "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying."
Proverbs 18:21 — "Death and life are in the power of the tongue."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern culture treats speech as cheap; Scripture treats every word as accountable.
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Matthew 12:36 is sobering: every idle word will be accounted for. Not the angry words only, the cruel ones, the false ones — the idle. Words spoken without intent or care still register in the divine ledger.
The household's reform of speech is a spiritual project. Slowing down, blessing rather than cursing, building up rather than tearing down, refusing gossip and slander — each is daily work, only sustainable from a renewed heart.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew davar; Greek logos.
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Hebrew davar — word, matter, thing.
Greek logos — word, reason, account.
Usage
"Every idle word will be accounted for."
"The mouth speaks from the heart's abundance."
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue."