James: Misusing the Tongue

James 3:1–12 KJV 1900

1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

I. Not many should become teachers, for teachers shall face a stricter judgement. v.1

Ephesians 4:11 KJV 1900

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

II. The tongue stumbles and sins often. v.2

Matthew 12:34–37 KJV 1900

34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

2 Corinthians 10:3–5 KJV 1900

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

III. The tongue is a little member, boasting great things. V.3-5

Psalm 10:3 KJV 1900

3 For the wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire, And blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord abhorreth.

Psalm 46:6–7 KJV 1900

6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: He uttered his voice, the earth melted. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Proverbs 25:14 KJV 1900

14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift Is like clouds and wind without rain.

Proverbs 27:1 KJV 1900

1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

James 4:16 KJV 1900

16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.

A. Two illustrations: Horses and Ships.

B. The point: Control the tongue and the whole body is controlled.

IV. The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. v.5-6

Marriages destroyed

Children disturbed

Friendships damaged reputations ruined

Wars fought

Fights aroused

Injuries caused

Bodies maimed

Promotions denied

Ephesians 4:31 KJV 1900

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

Titus 3:1–2 KJV 1900

1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

1 Peter 1:21 KJV 1900

21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

Proverbs 11:9 KJV 1900

9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: But through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

Isaiah 59:3 KJV 1900

3 For your hands are defiled with blood, And your fingers with iniquity; Your lips have spoken lies, Your tongue hath muttered perverseness.

Hebrews 12:14–15 KJV 1900

14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

A. it defiles the whole body.

B. It inflames the whole life.

C. It has a source: Hell.

V. The tongue is a restless evil. v.7-12

Psalm 34:13 KJV 1900

13 Keep thy tongue from evil, And thy lips from speaking guile.

Proverbs 13:3 KJV 1900

3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: But he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

Proverbs 21:23 KJV 1900

23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth his soul from troubles.

1 Peter 3:10 KJV 1900

10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

Titus 1:16 KJV 1900

16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Romans 2:21 KJV 1900

21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

A. It is the only creature controlled.

B. It cannot be tamed by man.

C. It is unruly, restless.

1. Full of deadly poison.

2. Blessing God and cursing man.

D. It should be controlled.

1.Because its behavior is inconsistent.

2.Because its behavior is contrary to our nature.