Or, “deed.” Words as well as deeds will be judged (Matt. 12:36, 37). But God requires even more—in his very thoughts man is to be obedient (see 2 Cor. 10:5; see on Matt. 5:22, 28; etc.).

 Men may think to conceal their words and deeds from other men, but “all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do” (Heb. 4:13). Even the thoughts of our hearts are subject to His scrutiny (1 Sam. 16:7; Ps. 7:9; Jer. 17:10; cf. Acts 1:24; Heb. 4:12). God reads the secret motives of our hearts; He knows how much of the light of truth has penetrated the darkness of our hearts, and for every ray He will hold us accountable (see Rom. 2:16; 1 Cor. 4:5). In the great day of final reckoning it is those who have done the will of God who will enter the kingdom (Matt. 77:21-27). To profess allegiance to God and at the same time disobey even one requirement His wisdom and love may lay upon us is to deny the reality of that allegiance (see John 15:10; 1 John 2:3-6). To do less is to worship God in vain (see Mark 7:7-9), for in that great day every man will be rewarded “according to his works” (Matt. 16:27; cf. Rev. 22:12).