It Is Good To Listen To Mothers
Proverbs 1:7-8; 2 Timothy 3:14-15
Today is Mother’s Day. Doesn’t it seem like yesterday that we were celebrating Mother’s Day? Hard to believe that 365 days have passed. Well, what’s Mother’s Day without a song of recognition that highlights the joys of mothering? Here’s to all you moms out there. This is The Mom Song.
This is a celebration weekend. Did you know. . .
- There are roughly 2.2 billion mothers globally
- 27 million mothers in the US have a Facebook account.
- Americans will spend close to 28.1 billion dollars this Mother’s Day
- Florist shops get 26% of their business on Mother’s Day
- The most popular Mother’s Day flower, carnations
- Mother’s Day is right behind Christmas when it comes to gifting.
- The vast majority of mothers find parenting to be enjoyable and rewarding
I want you to know that Mothers are not just regular moms, they are cool moms. And the greeting card industry captures their coolness. Here are some of cool cards for the cool moms in our lives.
Today I want us to consider the priceless value of our mothers who made our lives possible. Think about her example, her support, her humor, her counsel her humility, her hospitality, her insight, her patience, her sacrifices, her faith, her hope, and her love. As the old proverb goes, “He is not poor who has had a godly mother." Indebted yes, but not poor. So Moms, on this Mother's Day we call you blessed.
Join me as I pray for all of our mom’s this morning. -- Heavenly Father, this morning we ask that You take special note of our mothers. Help them to see themselves as You see them—strong, capable and dearly loved. Give them confidence in their abilities and remind them of all the wonderful things they have accomplished as a mother. Give them discernment and wisdom to lead us on the right path, and help them to trust in Your plan for their lives. May she find her joy and fulfillment in serving You and raising Godly children. In Jesus’ name, amen
This morning it is my desire to glorify God by highlighting the biblical call on a woman’s life that makes marriage, motherhood and home-management a central core of a woman’s life. I also acknowledge this morning that there are millions of single women, and some of you are here this morning, who may never be a mother. I want you to understand that there is a special grace from God for being a single woman. In fact, the Bible makes it clear that being single can be a calling of God. Know that God does not downplay singleness, whether it be a woman or a man. But my aim on this morning is to encourage the women who believe that God has called them to a marriage relationship in which they joyfully support their husbands and his calling, striving to model the admonition given in Ephesians 5, v24(GW), As the church is under Christ’s authority, so wives ought to be to their husbands’ in everything. It is in this relationship that the beauty of the church is revealed to a watching world. The point I want us to understand is that the marriage relationship is a very high and holy calling that the world neither understands nor supports.
Think about this for a moment: As you may know, most of the book of Proverbs was written by King Solomon, a great king, and son of a great king, King David. He had enormous power and authority, and it would have been dangerous to question him. But understand, he was not a perfect king or even a perfect man by any means, but God chose to give him profound insights and then preserved them for us.
Solomon’s mother was Bathsheba. You might remember that King David had a forced affair with her. It was out of that relationship Solomon was born, and he grew up having great respect for her illustrated for us in 1 Kings chap 2, v19. It reads as follows: Bathsheba went to King Solomon to talk to him on ‘brother’ Adonijah’s behalf. When she entered, the king got up to meet her and bowed down in front of her, and then he sat on his throne. It was then that He had a throne brought for his mother, and she sat at his right side.
Don’t miss what Solomon did, the wisest and most powerful man on earth at the time. When his mom came into his presence, he stood up for her, bowed down to her, and then called for a throne to be set beside his. It was not until then did they discuss what was on Bathsheba’s mind. So I don’t want us to miss this: even great kings bow when their mothers enter the room.
Under God’s guidance this great king left us a treasure of instruction. Proverbs chap 1, vs 8-9(GW), 8My son, listen to your father’s instruction, and don’t miss this--and do not neglect your mother’s teachings, 9because his instruction and her teachings are like a graceful garland on your head and a golden chain around your neck.
I want us to understand, that despite our cultural trends, the family is a core value in God’s design. And the wife/mother play a central role in passing on reverence for God, wonderment of God, and trust in/of God. That’s what mothering does. Just how central is a mother’s role? A wife wrote to Ann Landers the following:
I'm a wife, mother, friend, confidant, personal advisor, I’m a lover, referee, peacemaker, housekeeper, laundress, I’m a chauffeur, interior decorator, gardener, I’m a painter, wall paperer, dog groomer, veterinarian, manicurist, I’m a barber, seamstress, appointment manager, financial planner, I’m a bookkeeper, money manager, personal secretary, teacher, disciplinarian, I’m an entertainer, therapist, nurse, pathologist, public relations expert, I’m a dietitian and nutritionist, baker, chef, fashion coordinator and I’m a letter writer for both sides of the family. And I’m not finished yet. I am also a travel agent, speech therapist, plumber, automobile mechanic, and I’m ‘on-call 24/7 365 days of the year . . . because I am a stay-at-home mom, according to 2019Salary.com, my yearly salary should be around $178,201.
So much more could be added to mom’s responsibilities.
This morning, I want this message to serve as a word of honor and encouragement to the women who live out their calling faithfully as a wife and mother. As well as to encourage those women who aspire to the calling of a wife and mother, but are not there as yet. This morning I want to highlight five marks of a godly mother.
A.First, Mothers Have A High Calling As A Teacher Of Faith.
I begin with 2 Timothy 3, vs14-15(ESV). Here Paul instructs Timothy to 14continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it (make a note of those words) 15how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Mark the phrase Knowing from whom you learned it. Those words are in reference to Timothy’s Grandmother Lois and Mother Eunice. Paul highlights for us that Timothy’s learning took place in childhood, his text book was the sacred writings, and according to chap 1, v5, his faith started with his grandmother Lois, who passed her faith to Eunice, who then together passed it on to Timothy. Further, we know from Acts 16 that Timothy’s father was not a follower of Jesus. So Timothy grew up in a home with a mother of faith and a father who was not a follower of Jesus.
Paul’s admonition to Timothy follows what we are told in Proverbs chap 1, v8(GW) where Solomon instructed his son, do not neglect your mother’s teachings. So Paul instructs Timothy not to forget the valuable lessons of faith given to him by his grandmother and mother. So, let’s be clear: between King Solomon and the apostle Paul, grandmothers and mothers hold a place of great honor. They set up the atmosphere for faith to flourish. And by-the-way, not just for their children—mark this—but for the untold numbers who are touched by their children.
Here’s an important principle: One of the ways to persevere through hard times is remembering one’s teacher and the textbook from which instruction was given.
B.Second, Mothers Play A Leading Role In God’s Classroom
God has designed the family as the place where the fundamentals of faith are to be taught and learned, and how we are to live our lives. Understand, the family is God’s school for learning. Proverbs chap 1, vs 8-9(GW), 8My son, listen to your father’s instruction, and do not neglect your mother’s teachings.
A similar parallel comes in Proverbs 23, v22: “Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” Evidently the teaching role of a mother reaches through all stages of life.
This is probably a good place to remind us of the fifth commandment: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land. [Exodus 20:12(ESV)]. Data tells us that women often outlive men. And according to the Institute on Aging, about two-thirds of Americans over 85 are female. Job 12:12 (NASB95) “Wisdom is with aged, and with long life is understanding. So these older women have great wisdom to pass on.
That’s what Paul tells us in Titus 2, vs 3-6, (GW) 3Older women are to teach young women how to love their husbands and children, 5to use good judgment, and to be morally pure. And to teach young women ‘how’ to be homemakers, to be kind, and to place themselves under their husbands’ authority. Then no one can speak evil of God’s word. The point is, older women play a huge role in the redemptive story from birth into eternity. They help us to live out our faith. For example:
1.Take Sarah, Abraham’s wife
- She trusted God while struggling with aging and childlessness.
- According to 1 Peter 3 she demonstrated that imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit which, by-the-way, is precious in the sight of God,
- She supported Abraham’s leadership.
2.Take the widow Anna
Following 7 years of marriage, she became a widow. … Then for the rest of her life she served at the temple day and night at.
3.Then there is Lois and Eunice
who inspire us to pass on our faith to our children the faith in the Son of God who came to us born of a human mother, who knew no sin, but bore our sin on the cross, and who rose from the grave, making Him our risen Savior and eternal King.
4.There is Priscilla
Wife of Aquila, helped to mentor Apollo more accurately the way of God.
5.Then there is Mother of King Lemuel
While Lemuel was growing up, his mother gave him wise advice, warning him about the dangers of immorality, alcohol, perverted justice, lawless behavior, and told him to defend the rights of the poor and needy.
The point is, women play a huge role in the redemptive story from birth into eternity
C.Third, The theme of the Mothers Teaching Is The Fear of The Lord
V7 of Proverbs 1, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction sets the stage for Solomon’s plea to his son, listen to your father’s instruction, and do not neglect your mother’s teachings. The theme of the mother’s instruction is to help their children get a grip on the fear of the Lord so that it runs through their thoughts and actions.
In the Bible the fear of the Lord is central to living. Proverbs 28:14 (ESV) Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity. The point is, don’t live life carelessly. So we’re told in Hebrews 12:28 (ESV) . . . let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.
We are to come to God with the attitude of Nehemiah. In chap 1, v11 (ESV), he prays, O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant . . . who delights to fear Your name. There is are two types of fear—a repulsive fear (snake and crocodiles) vs the fear that draws us into the presence of God. The fear of the Lord is the total acknowledgement of all that God is, which comes through knowing Him and His attributes.
In Isaiah 11 we’re told that there is a delight, an enjoyment that comes in fearing God. So 1 John 4:18(GW) we are explicitly told that No fear exists where God’s love is. Rather, perfect love gets rid of fear, because fear involves punishment. The person who lives in fear doesn’t have perfect love. Living in trembling fear of God is a sign that such a person has a hard heart, and is not living in Christ.
Now in what ways is the fear of the Lord meant to impact our thoughts and actions? Proverbs helps us understand how the fear of the Lord is design to impact our words, our thoughts, and our actions. Proverbs 8, v13(GW) To fear the Lord is to hate evil, to hate pride, to hate arrogance, to hate evil actions, and to hate perverted speech. Perhaps the first and foremost way that the Fear of the Lord impacts one’s life is in the usage of our words.
Let’s define what the Bible means by perverted speech. Perverted speech is not limited to cursing. According to Proverbs it includes lying lips, filthy words, foolish words, crude jokes, speeches that drum up chaos (which the Bible refers to as scorching fire). When the fear of the Lord runs through our thoughts and actions, it shapes our words. And sometimes this means exercising avoidance of people and places.
Ephesians 4:29 (NASB95) Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. And by-the-way, our words are a very big deal. Listen to Jesus in Matthew 12:37(GW) By your words you will be declared innocent, or by your words you will be declared guilty.” Our words reflect what’s in our hearts.
The point is, Mom’s job isn’t just to teach children how to hold spoons, eat properly, tie shoes, cut grass, and do chores, put on makeup, drive a car, and look both ways before crossing the street. She is to teach her children how-to-live-in reverence and awe of God. Deuteronomy 6:4–9 (GW) 4Listen, Israel: The Lord is our God. The Lord is the only God. So 5Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6Take to heart these words that I give you today. 7Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you’re at home or away, when you lie down or get up. 8Write them down, and⸥ tie them around your wrist, and wear them as headbands as a reminder. 9Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Proverbs 1:7, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. So as parents, we must have God’s Word on our lips as the primary influence for our children.
D.Fourth, Raising Children Is A Team Effort
Proverbs chap 1, vs 8(GW), 8My son, listen to your father’s instruction, and do not neglect your mother’s teachings, These verses do not say “Father’s instruct and mothers change diapers.” Nor does it say, “Fathers work at the office and don’t have to participate with the messes at home.” Nor does it say, “Mothers work outside the home and turn the responsibility of teaching over to child-care.” Nor does it say “When school starts, parent teaching stops.” It says Father’s given instruction, and mothers teach.
Raising a family is a joint effort. Mothers need the help and encouragement of their husbands. The family is a school, and the unifying curriculum theme of the family home-school is the fear of the Lord.
E.Fifth, the Mother’s Instruction Are Rewarding.
Did you notice the description of the mother’s instruction? They are as graceful garland on your heard and a golden chain around your neck.
Because the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom, the mother seeks to implant it in her children. Solomon says that the wisdom that flows from the mother’s lips is not a burdensome load that weighs one’s life down, but a treasure that adds beauty and grace to one’s life.
- Proverbs 14:26–27, "In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence . . . It is a fountain of life"
- Proverbs 19:23 "The fear of the Lord leads to life, so that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil"
Psalm 119, vs97-100 tells us that meditating on ‘the fear of the Lord’ makes one wiser than their enemies, more insightful than all their teachers, and brings more understanding than the aged because such a person observes God’s precepts.
Well, what might be our take away this morning?
The challenge before every Mom is developing a heart of obedience in the same direction, which opens the gate for the long run. As Hebrews 12 admonishes us, let us run the race that is set before us by laying aside such things as . . . a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked imaginations, and feet that run rapidly towards evil desires. Because practically speaking everything that goes on in the world-- wanting one’s own way, wanting everything for oneself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with God the Father. It is Jesus not our culture that is meant to define our lives. It is the fear of the Lord, the reverence and awe of God that is meant to shape our lives.
Let me close with five take-home principles for preparing and running life’s race.
1.First, we need to develop a reverence and awe for God for who He is
2.Second, we need a heart’s desire to serve God. If He is truly our God and we are His people, it behooves us to find a place to serve Him joyfully
3.Third, we need a mindset of worshiping God on a regular basis. As Hebrews 10:25-26(GW) states it, 24We must also consider how to encourage each other to show love and to do good things. 25And should not stop gathering together as some are doing. We need to continue to meet together to encourage each other as we see the day of the Lord coming.
4.Fourth, we need to develop a heart of obedience. Solomon points this out in Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 (GW) 13After having heard it all, this is the conclusion: Fear God, and keep his commands, because this applies to everyone. 14God will certainly judge everything that is done. This includes every secret thing, whether it is good or bad.
5.Finally, we need to live out our lives with an overpowering fear of the Lord that brings an overpowering love for God. A lawyer confronted Jesus with the question, Which is the great commandment, to test Him. Jesus responded 37“ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38This is the greatest and most important commandment. 39The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’
- Proverbs 14:26–27 (NASB95) 26In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And his children will have refuge. 27The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, That one may avoid the snares of death.
- Psalm 34:7–9 (NASB95) 7The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them. 8. . . How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! … 9O fear the LORD, you His saints; For to those who fear Him there is no want.
On this day, let it be known that the Almighty God has chosen mothers to not only to be the bearers of His image, vessels in whom His own life is resident, but also to pass on His grandeur to their children so that they should put their confidence in God, not forgetting His works, but keep His commandments. . . not to be stubborn and rebellious, but to be faithful to God.
Let’s pray
On this special day set aside to honor mothers we ask for a special touch from the Lord for each and every one of them. May each mother in this room be granted a special blessing, and may all of the work of her hands not be forgotten in Your sight. Let her example to her children be a guiding force in their lives, and may wisdom be passed down to the next generation of mothers. Amen
i I try to thoroughly cite all sources in my written sermon notes. But due to the extemporaneous nature of oral communication, delivery may occasionally contain material not fully cited or original with me. In such situations, the church nor I assert ownership to such material. The footnotes contain most of the resources that were used to prepare this sermon. John Piper, Honoring the biblical call of motherhood, (2 Timothy 3:10-17) https://www.desiringgod.org/ messages/honoring-the-biblical-call-of-motherhood; John Piper, Do Not Forsake Your Mother’s Teaching (Proverbs 1:7-9) https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/do-not-forsake-your-mothers-teaching
ii Anita Renfroe, The Mom Song, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce8yBOXjI7s, Performed by Betsy Burke and Tiffany Marshall on Mother's Day 2013 at Gateway Community Church
iii https://www.petalrepublic.com/mothers-day-statistics/
iv Ursula M. Anderson, Who and Where is God: Why We Are the Way We Are, Infinity Publishing Co., Dec. 7, 2007.. . . puts forth the theory that mothers have a key role in the effort of taking the violence out of this world. Because mothers can impact a child affecting the way that little person is wired.
v https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/05/09/facts-about-u-s-mothers/
vi https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/holidays-celebrations/g39078013/funny-mothers-day-cards/
vii Charles Swindoll, Mother’s Day: A Chance to Work on Our Presumptions, http://www.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/ 11575205/
viii Cf., 1 Corinthians 7:34–35 (NASB95) 34and his interests are divided. The woman who is unmarried, and the virgin, is concerned about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit; but one who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how she may please her husband. 35This I say for your own benefit; not to put a restraint upon you, but to promote what is appropriate and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord.
ix Ann Landers, May 1988, quoted in Mom, You're Incredible, by Linda Weber, Focus on the Family, 1994, pp. 23–24. From the studies done, it would cost more than $75,000 a year to replace me
x https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0112/how-much-is-a-homemaker-worth.aspx
xi Cf., Job 12:12 (NASB95) “Wisdom is with aged men, With long life is understanding. Job 32:7 (NASB95) 7“I thought age should speak, And increased years should teach wisdom. Deuteronomy 32:7 (NASB95) 7“Remember the days of old, Consider the years of all generations. Ask your father, and he will inform you, Your elders, and they will tell you.
xii Hebrews 11:11 (NASB95) By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. 1 Peter 3:5 (NASB95) 5For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands;
xiii 1 Peter 3:3–5 (NASB95) 3Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 5For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands;
xiv1 Peter 3:6 (NASB95) 6just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.
xv Luke 2:36–38 (NASB95) 36And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. 38At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
xvi 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NASB95) 21He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Hebrews 7:26 (NASB95) 26For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens;; 1 Peter 2:22 (NASB95) 22WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH;; 1 John 3:5 (NASB95) 5You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin. Romans 1:2–4 (NASB95) 2which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, 4who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, Romans 10:9–11 (NASB95) 9that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 11For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.”
xvii Acts 18:25–26 (NASB95) 25This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; 26and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
xviii Proverbs 31:1–9 (NASB95) 1The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him: 2What, O my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows? 3Do not give your strength to women, Or your ways to that which destroys kings. 4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink, 5For they will drink and forget what is decreed, And pervert the rights of all the afflicted. 6Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to him whose life is bitter. 7Let him drink and forget his poverty And remember his trouble no more. 8Open your mouth for the mute, For the rights of all the unfortunate. 9Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.
xix Job 28:28 (NASB95) 28“And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.’ ”
xx Psalm 34:11 (NASB95) 11Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
xxi Isaiah 66:2 (NASB95) 2“For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being,” declares the LORD. “But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.
xxii Hebrews 12:25, 28 (NASB95) 25See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. 28Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;
xxiii Isaiah 41:10 (NASB95) 10‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
xxiv Isaiah 11:2–3 (NASB95) 2The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. 3And He will delight in the fear of the LORD, And He will not judge by what His eyes see, Nor make a decision by what His ears hear;
xxv Proverbs 12:22 (NASB95) Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal faithfully are His delight. , Proverbs 16:27 (NASB95) A worthless man digs up evil, While his words are like scorching fire. , Ephesians 5:4 (NASB95) and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
xxvi] Colossians 4:6 (NASB95) Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.
xxvii In the context of Matthew 12:37, Jesus was addressing the scribes and Pharisees, who had rejected Him and His message. These religious leaders exhibited spiritual pride and hypocrisy. Let’s break down what Jesus meant:
1. Context: The Pharisees had accused Jesus’ disciples of breaking the Sabbath, implying that Jesus Himself was also violating it. They even attributed Jesus’ miracles to Satan. Their hearts were hardened against Him, and they spoke falsely against Him and His followers.
2. Tree and Fruit Analogy: Jesus used the analogy of a tree and its fruit. Just as a tree is known by its fruit, our words reveal what is in our hearts. A good tree produces good fruit, while an evil tree produces evil fruit (Matthew 12:33-35).
3. Accountability for Words: Jesus emphasized that everyone would be held accountable for their words. He said, “By your words you are justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). However, He wasn’t suggesting that saying the right words could make someone righteous. Instead, He was highlighting that our words reflect what’s in our hearts.
4. Pharisees’ Hearts: The Pharisees’ words showed their rejection of God’s kingdom, their lack of love, and their hatred of justice. Their evil attitudes were evident in what they said and taught.
5. Final Judgment: God will pronounce judgment based not only on actions but also on how people have used their tongues (Matthew 12:36). Our words matter—they reveal our true character.
In summary, Jesus was emphasizing that our words reflect our hearts. We are either justified or condemned by what we say.It’s a reminder to guard our hearts and speak truth, love, and righteousness
xxviii Proverbs 9:10 (NASB95) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. ; Proverbs 15:33 (NASB95) 33The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor comes humility. Job 28:28 (NASB95) 28“And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.’ ”; Psalm 111:10 (NASB95) 10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever. Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NASB95)13The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.
xxix Psalm 127:3 (NASB95) Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.
xxx Cf., Hebrews 11:7 (ESV) 7By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
xxxi Proverbs 6:16–19 (NASB95) 16There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: 17Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, 18A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, 19A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.
xxxii 1 John 2:15–16 (NASB95)15Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
xxxiii Matthew 22:35–39 (GW)
xxxiv Psalm 56:11 (NASB95) In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? Job 13:15 (NASB95)“Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. Psalm 5:11 (NASB95) But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult in You.
xxxv Psalm 78:6–8 (NASB95) 6That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, That they may arise and tell them to their children, 7That they should put their confidence in God And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments, 8And not be like their fathers, A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that did not prepare its heart And whose spirit was not faithful to God.
