God’s Edits for Our Careless Words
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.
Matthew 12:36 (ESV)
I attend a women’s Bible study every Tuesday. Last week, we watched a video to prepare for the week ahead. The teacher quoted Matthew 12:36. It hit so close to home. It felt like God had marked up my heart in red ink.
As an editor, I know authors don’t always appreciate my deletions, additions, corrections, and comments. Marking those pesky PUGS (punctuation, usage, grammar, and spelling) can make even the cleanest manuscript look messy. But that’s my job—to advocate for the reader by sharpening the author’s message. That’s why my tagline is Stewardship of Truth with Excellence in Editing.
I suddenly realized that more than the written word needs editing. We also need to edit our spoken words.
Reread Matthew 12:36: “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak” (emphasis added).
In other words, listeners deserve a carefully considered message just as much as readers do.
When God Starts Editing Your Speech
Last week, God began editing my speech.
I know I’ll give an account for every word I let leave my mouth. This understanding is enough to make me think twice. I hesitate before blurting out something thoughtless or hurtful. Editors help authors communicate better. They recommend more effective ways to deliver their message. Ultimately, it’s up to the author to accept or reject the edit.
What I do for authors, God does for hearts
Likewise, God edits our speech knowing we may or may not follow through with what’s right. And when we reject his admonition, he doesn’t let careless words slip past unchecked. He doesn’t hold us accountable out of pettiness. He knows the weight words carry.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue.
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV)
Words can build bridges or burn them, speak truth or twist it, bless people or bruise them. Our emotions often dictate our words—which means we need an editor.
God as the Careful Editor
When God edits, he doesn’t skim. He notices every line, every word, every tone.
And just like a good editor, he cares too much to let sloppy speech slide by. His red ink is conviction. Sometimes it stings, yes—but it’s always aimed at refining, not rejecting.
I’ve come to realize that when God circles something in my life, it’s not because he’s against me. It’s because he loves me deeply. He doesn’t want a weak sentence or a careless word to ruin the story he’s writing.
What Careless Words Look Like
Before we can welcome God’s edits, we have to recognize what needs editing.
Careless words don’t always sound evil. They often sound ordinary—but they leave marks:
- Gossip disguised as a prayer concern
- Impatient responses to perceived interruptions
- Sarcasm that wounds more than amuses
- Rash promises we can’t—or won’t—keep
- Comments that shift the atmosphere of a room
Careless speech is also rampant in the public square, especially in politics. Sharp opinions fly fast and furious. It’s tempting to think words don’t matter if they’re about policies, platforms, or politicians. But Matthew 12:36 is clear: every careless word.
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1 (ESV)
We should invite God to edit all our words—private or public, spoken or posted. If our words are sparks, we’d better think carefully before tossing them into a forest already dry with division.
The Law and Grace in Our Speech
The law works like margin notes in a manuscript. It tells the truth, even when we’d rather gloss over the flaws.
Paul admitted it.
Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin.
Romans 7:7 (ESV)
The law amplifies the careless words we’d prefer to excuse. But God doesn’t stop there. His grace isn’t just a red slash through the problem—it’s a rewrite.
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up.
Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
Grace takes what’s broken and drafts something better.
Tangible Ways God Edits Our Words
God’s edits aren’t abstract—they show up in real, sometimes uncomfortable ways:
1. Conviction by the Spirit
You say something harsh, and before the echo fades, you feel the nudge: That wasn’t love. That’s God’s red ink reminding you he has a better word.
2. Correction through Community
A friend says, “Do you realize how that came across?” It can sting, but Proverbs 27:6 (ESV) is right: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” Sometimes God uses someone else’s pen to edit us.
3. Shaping by Scripture
When you’re spiraling in worry, Philippians 4:6 steps in like a bold margin note: “Do not be anxious about anything.” Scripture is God’s tracked changes–showing us what to delete and what to add.
4. Discipline in Practice
Sometimes the Spirit teaches us the holiness of a pause. “Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” James 1:19 (ESV). God’s edit might be: delete before you say it.
Stewardship of Truth with Excellence in Editing
In my professional work, I call it stewardship of truth with excellence in editing.
On the page, that means guiding an author’s words toward clarity and integrity. In life, it means letting God steward our speech with the same excellence—refining it for truth, love, and impact.
If every word carries weight, then none of our words are disposable. We are stewards of our sentences, caretakers of our conversations. God’s red ink reminds us that careless words aren’t harmless.
The Red Ink of Grace
Matthew 12:36 is sobering: Every careless word will come up for review. But here’s the good news—the Judge is also our Editor. He doesn’t just mark the mistakes; he rewrites us in grace.
Maybe red ink isn’t something to dread after all.
Red is the color of love in action. God edits us not to silence us, but to ensure our words bless, build, and point to him. So the next time conviction stings, don’t run. Lean in. Thank God for his red pen. Every edit he makes brings your story closer to the one he always intended you to tell.
Closing Prayer
Lord,
You know every word on my tongue before I speak it. Forgive me for the careless words that wound, divide, or dishonor you. Thank you for your red ink of grace that corrects and restores. Teach me to pause before speaking. Guide me to weigh my words carefully. Let my mouth be a steward of your truth. May my speech build up, bless others, and point back to you.
In Jesus’s name, amen.
Grace and Peace,
Debra
Reflection Prompt
Take a quiet moment today to ask yourself:
- Where have my words lately been careless—at home, at work, online, or in conversations about politics?
- What is one practical way I can let God edit my speech this week—through pausing, praying, or rephrasing?
Your Turn
How has God edited your story or your speech in ways that surprised you?
Share your thoughts in the comments below so we can encourage one another on this journey of grace.
What are your thoughts?