Taming the Tongue
James 3:1-12
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." (Proverbs 18:21, NASB95)
A Warning to Teachers V 1
Why will teachers "incur a stricter judgment"? (Col 4:6; Matt 15:11)
We all stumble in many ways V 2a
Sometimes we expect too much of ourselves; sometimes of others.
Tongue control is the sign of a mature Christian v 2b
"The heart is the metal of the bell, the tongue is but the clapper." George Swinnock.
To control the tongue, we must change the heart. And we cannot change our hearts.
The tongue may be small but it is deadly v 3-4
A little bit controls a great big horse.
Small rudder controls the direction of the whole ship.
Notice the great evil a little fire starts.
The tongue can work great evil. V 5-6
Full of deadly poison
Some sins of the tongue
The tongue is wild and uncontrollable. V 7-8
It is easier to tame any animal, then to tame the tongue.
Has the Spirit of God tamed your tongue?
The tongue is a sign of our hypocrisy. V 9
The Indians speak of a Forked tongue.
General guidelines for taming the tongue
Speak few and well chosen words. James 1:19 be slow to speak.
Speak as if in the presence of God himself, because you are.
Speak as if to be judged by God for the words that you speak.
Think on your own faults before you condemn other for theirs.
Say only what will edify, encourage and build up others
"Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips."