Parked and Idling
For Women by Women
Submitted by Trish Williams
October 25, 2024
Mt 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.
Interestingly, a tongue speaking idle words, and a car, parked and idling, are similar. In both cases a lot of noise is going forth and is often annoying to those around the source.
A person may have a specific destination to arrive at, get in the car, and prepare for departure – but if the car remains in park and idling – it goes nowhere. The car is providing no value to the traveler. The same is true with the idle words which we speak. They do not bring honor or glory to God, nor do they benefit the hearers.
Both an idling car and an idle tongue consume energy. That energy could be used for good instead of being wasted. God is worthy of our praise, and desires that our speech be God honoring.
Rather than speaking idle words, which are words of uselessness or emptiness, may we use our tongue in such a way that it would be a blessing to the hearers, and bring honor and glory to our God.
Ps 71:8 Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.
Ps 40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Ps 119:172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
Ps 89:1 I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.
Ps 145:21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.
Ps 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Consider – An idle word is “a word that does nothing; it neither ministers grace nor instruction to them who hear it.” —Adam Clarke
