Matthew 12:37
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned.
American King James Version (AKJV)
For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned.
American Standard Version (ASV)
For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
For by your words will your righteousness be seen, and by your words you will be judged.
Webster's Revision
For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
World English Bible
For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
English Revised Version (ERV)
For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Clarke's Matthew 12:37 Bible Commentary
By thy words thou shalt be justified - That is, the whole tenor of thy conversation will be an evidence for or against thee, in the great day. How many are there who count words for nothing! and yet eternity often depends on them. Lord, put a watch before the door of my lips! is a prayer proper for all men.
Barnes's Matthew 12:37 Bible Commentary
By thy words thou shalt be justified ... - That is, "words" are the indication of the true principles of the heart; by "words" the heart shall be known, as the tree is by its fruit. If they are true, proper, chaste, instructive, pious, they will prove that the heart is right. If false, envious, malignant, and impious, they will prove that the heart is wrong, and will therefore be among the causes of condemnation. It is not meant that words will be the only thing that will condemn man, but that they will be an important part of the things for which he shall be condemned. See James 3:3-12.
Wesley's Matthew 12:37 Bible Commentary
12:37 For by thy words (as well as thy tempers and works) thou shalt then be either acquitted or condemned. Your words as well as actions shall he produced in evidence for or against you, to prove whether you was a true believer or not. And according to that evidence you will either be acquitted or condemned in the great day.