Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 12:36-37

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 12:36-37
"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."

What are idle words? This is what I found in the footnotes.

"Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few."
(Ecclesiastes 5:2)

"Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks."
(Ephesians 5:4)

Footnote for word = gossip
Speak = profanity
Account = accountability

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."
(Proverbs 18:21)

"The Savior warned that we will be judged for “every idle word that [we] shall speak”. Modern revelation commands us to cease from “light speeches” and “light-mindedness”  and to cast away “idle thoughts” and “excess of laughter”.  There are plenty of other spokesmen for trivial things. Latter-day Saints should be constantly concerned with teaching and emphasizing those great and powerful eternal truths that will help us find our way back to the presence of our Heavenly Father."
(Dallin H. Oaks, "Powerful Ideas", Oct 1995 General Conference)

Day 4065

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 13:3

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 13:3
"He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction."

The difference between keeping silent or gossiping. I think though it even goes deeper than that, especially in the times we are living in. There are times I wish to speak out but the spirit constrains me. Maybe because when I think with my head and not my heart I will get myself in trouble. Sometimes learning to be a peacemaker that best place to start to to learn constraint and be silent. This verse in Matthew keeps coming to me.

"Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison."
(Matthew 5:25)

The footnote for Agree, GR Quickly have kind thoughts for, or be well disposed toward.

Day 3957

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 112:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 112:7

"He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD."

This reminded me of a conversation I had with a friend of mine this week. They were telling me about an issue they had on the outside of their house. They saw a neighbor had the same issue so they went to speak to them. The neighbor put their hands to their ears and said "I wish you hadn't told me, I don't want to hear things like this, because I cannot afford to fix it." My friend thought that such odd behavior, why wouldn't someone want to know about an issue that should be fixed? "You cannot put your head in the sand and make it go away." Then as the story progresses my friend tells me this neighbor mentioned they were getting assistance from the church for food, and pay their utility bills. My friend didn't understand why this neighbor couldn't work they were perfectly healthy. Yes, this was totally gossiping and I was a little taken back on what to say. Finally, the words came. I suggested that their neighbor maybe able to physically work, but not mentally able to do so. Finally, the lights came on and they realized having observed other signs that would indicate this was the case. They then sheepishly said to me, "I guess I will need to be really careful about what I say to them." I just smiled.

I know when we are mentally and emotionally stressed it's so hard to hear bad news, or evil tidings. I have also found in those moments that trusting in the Lord will help us get through it. The more we practice this the time will come when our heart knows He is there for us, and there is no need to fear.

Day 2749

Today's Favorite Verse: James 1:12, 26

Today's Favorite Verse: James 1:12, 26
"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain."

The footnote refers the tongue to gossip and profanity. I have to say the handling of these two situations expose many people and their commitment to their faith. Nothing grieves me more than to hear swearing, especially the Lord's name in vain.

Nothing pleases me more than to see one overcome the temptation to swear or speak ill of others. We are all tempted and it is through overcoming that temptation that spiritual maturity comes. The love of God becomes true, deep and abiding.

President David O. McKay said, “Spirituality is the consciousness of victory over self.” It is the sure knowledge that we are winning the struggle for the soul. Sensuality is the realm of self-indulgence. Spirituality is the realm of self-victory.
(Douglas L. Callister, "Seeking the Spirit of God", Oct 2000 General Conference)

Day 1720

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 11:9

Today's Favorite Verse: Proverbs 11:9
"An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered."

As I was reading this chapter it made me think about how the scriptures have provided answers to my questions. They guide and direct me and help me see solutions to the problems that I face. This chapter had so many nuggets of truth. In this verse I can see how it helps the person that has been wounded by the gossip and lies of a hypocrite. If what is said is not true then the knowledge of the truth will come out. Have peace because deliverance will come.

Day 1214