26 They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.
Clearly, Jesus knows how to silence the opposition. Certainly He was not unaware of their ploy to catch Him by their question in their flimsy trap; to their surprise, He astonishes them with His apt reply. Jesus is the Truth. His Word is Truth and true words will always be the right words. I am reminded of Solomon’s words to us in Ecclesiastes:
11 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails--given by one Shepherd. 12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Eccl 12:11-12 (NIV)
The Book of Proverbs tells us:
23 A man finds joy in giving an apt reply--and how good is a timely word! Prov 15:23 (NIV)
Ever stopped to consider the power of our words? On the one hand they can build up and bolster; encourage and exhort; strengthen and satisfy and on the other hand they are able to persecute and pillage; tear down and tease- cynically and cryptically cutting to the core of the heart of the hearer. Believer - beware of your words! Evil words evidence the corruption remaining and reigning in our hearts. If our hearts are sanctified and cleansed it will show forth in what comes out of our mouths –blessing and benefitting both the hearer and ourselves.
“The heart is the root, the language is the fruit; if the nature of the tree is good, it will bring forth fruit accordingly. Wherever lust reigns in the heart it will break out; diseased lungs make an offensive breath. A man’s language reveals what country he is from...Unless the heart is transformed, the life will never be thoroughly reformed. It should be more our care to be good really, than to seem good outwardly.” Matthew Henry
Jesus tells us through the pen of Matthew:
36 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." Matt 12:36-37 (NIV)
Paul also tells us in Ephesians:
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Eph 4:29-32 (NIV)
“Whenever ye are going to speak, let the question be first: Is it needful to speak? Does it tend to the glory of God? Will it profit me or others?” K. H. Von Bogstzky
A good sieve to put our words through before they come forth consists of thinking through the following verse before we speak:
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Phil 4:8 (NIV)
True, noble, right pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy words flow from a heart like Jesus. Another sieve for our words that Amy Carmichael adds and one that I think important also (probably because I enjoy talking!) is the word necessary. Loose lips sink ships and wreck lives – beware of them! Scripture tells us:
19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. Prov 10:19 (NIV)
The Bible tells us that the constant chattering of a fool will lead to his ruin but the wise man will hold his tongue:
8 The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin. Prov 10:8 (NIV)
In contrast, the words of the righteous are like a spring of cool water to a tired and weary fellow sojourner giving life back into his bones. This, by the way, profits and benefits the speaker too. Scripture tells us:
25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Prov 11:25 (NIV)