A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

From the next clause [and their hard speeches] Observe,¹ Not only the deeds of ungodly men, but their speeches are brought into judgment; words do not perish with the breath with which they are uttered, no, they remain upon record and we are to give an account of them at the last day, Mat. 15. 36. and James 2. 12. Men are more serious in their actions, but in their speeches rash and inconsiderate, and those that dare not act evil, dare yet speak; Oh consider if Christ did only call us to an account for our actions, and our words were free, 'twere another matter; but he reckoneth with us about our speeches, therefore so speak, and so do, as those that would be judged by the Law of the liberty.

1. 1Observat. 6.

Once more from thence observe, That of all speeches mens hard speeches shall be produced at the day of judgment: Now what are these hard speeches? I Answ. either such as have anger in them, as Solomon speaketh of the froward mouth and perverse lips, Prov. 4. 22. when men breath nothing but fire, and drop coals instead of words; or such as have pride in them, or contempt of others, as when we lessen their abilities, insult over their miseries, They speak to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded, see Psal. 94. 4. or triumph over their slips and failings: this is to pour salt and vinegar into new wounds.

Once more from thence observe, That of all speeches mens hard speeches shall be produced at the day of judgment: Now what are these hard speeches? I Answ. either such as have anger in them, as Solomon speaketh of the froward mouth and perverse lipps,