Jesus gave us a sobering warning: “On the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter.” (Matthew 12:36-37) Words matter because words do things.

My Commentary:

A careless word can wound a child for years. A lie can destroy a reputation. A rumor can divide a family. An angry sentence can end a friendship.

But when the speaker is a leader, words carry even greater weight.

A president, general, religious leader, business executive, or public figure speaks to more than one person. Words spoken from positions of power can calm a frightened nation — or inflame it. They can encourage reconciliation — or create enemies. They can defend human dignity — or make cruelty seem acceptable. And, at their most dangerous, words can move armies and send young men and women into war.

Scripture reminds us, “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required.” The greater the influence, the greater the responsibility.

Christians should therefore expect something more from our leaders than clever slogans and winning arguments. We should expect truthfulness, restraint, wisdom, humility, and an awareness that words have consequences.

But we must also look in the mirror.

Before criticizing the careless words of powerful people, we should examine our own — at the dinner table, in an email, on social media, or in moments of anger.

Perhaps every Christian could begin each morning with the prayer of the Psalmist:

“Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”

Because words can start wars.

But words can also stop them.

Blessed are the peacemakers.

How much more do YOU expect from our leaders than clever slogans and winning arguments?

GOD COMFORTS THE DISTURBED AND DISTURBS THE COMFORTABLE!