12:36-37 What are the idle words that men will have to give an account thereof in the day of judgement?

The word idle is used here metaphorically of the insincere, false, and worthless words spoken by the Pharisees who had just blasphemed the Holy Spirit by knowledgeably attributing the miracles Jesus performed to Satan’s power, instead of acknowledging it was the Holy Spirit’s power (cp Mt 12:22-24, 31-32).

The Pharisees could never say anything good because their hearts were evil (cp Mt 12:33-35). But Jesus’ warning in Mt 12:36-37 is directed to Christians too – everyone will be justified by their words (cp Eph 4:29-30; 5:3-4; Col 3:8-9). Corrupt communication in Eph 4:29 refers to the spoken word. Corrupt means evil, rotten, unfit for use, worthless, bad. Mt 12:30 teaches that the utterance of evil or worthless words offends (grieves) the Holy Spirit. Foolish Talking in 5:4 refers to talk that is both foolish and sinful. Jesting here means polished and witty speech as the instrument of sin – ribaldry (vulgar humour).

Blasphemy in Col 3:8 means slander, detraction, speech injurious to another’s good name. Filthy communication refers to shameful words; foul, obscene speech; vile, filthy or improper conversation. A Christian’s speech must always be edifying, ministering grace to the hearer; kind, not blasphemous or slanderous; pure, not filthy or obscene; truthful, not deceptive; gentle, not reviling (cp Eph 4:31; Tit 3:1-2; Jas 3:1-13; 4:11; 1Pe 3:8-10).

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