There is a wonderful contrast set forth between the stout words of the proud Israelites Malachi was confronting and the humble words of the God-fearing remnant in the land. The manner of of our speaking about God and His Word reveals the true nature and state of our hearts. "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned," Matthew 12:36-37. We are here reminded that a remnant of true believers may survive amidst an atmosphere of hypocrisy and wickedness. While the proud may maintain their defiance of God in this world, a day is coming when men shall realise that there is profit only in serving God in sincerity and truth. God's denunciation of the words of the wicked Jews has reached a new height here. In 1:10, the Lord has "no pleasure" in their words and works. In 2:17, He is weary of their words. Now the Lord states that their words have reached new heights of defiance. He terms them "Stout" words. That word is used of Pharaoh's heart, Ex 7:22 and of speaks of a defiance of God and a cruel holding unto Israel. It is used in Deut 22:25 of the violence of a wicked man against a woman. It is the word used by David to describe his killing of a lion and a bear (caught), 1 Samuel 17:34-35. There was a violence in their speech against God as perceived by Him. Sin tends to increase in intensity.