True Faith: The Tongue

INTRODUCTION

When has someone’s words either deeply encouraged or hurt you? What made those words so impactful?

Can you finish this phrase? “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but…”

Words hurt.

In our passage tonight, James gives two illustrations concerning our tongue. Let’s read our passage and then begin with some prayer.

James 3:1–5 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!

*Pray.

We’re just beginning chapter 3, but I want us to make sure that we’re remembering chapters 1 and 2 as well. Can anyone give something that you have learned from the first two chapters?

Even though we haven’t discussed the passage yet, How does James’ teaching on the tongue connect to the broader theme of the rest of the book? (see James 2:26)

James 2:26 KJV 1900

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Our tongue exposes the purity of our faith. (taken from James 1:26)

James opens his instruction about the tongue with a warning.

THE DANGER OF TEACHING (vs. 1-2)

James 3:1–2 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.

Why does James warn the Jewish believers about becoming teachers/masters?

*historical context of the Jewish religious system of teachers. They were prioritized above mother and father. So the pinnacle of human existence was to become a Jewish leader/teacher.

Greater Condemnation (vs. 1)

How and why do teachers incur greater judgment? If we claim to have a full knowledge of God’s Word for his people, and further claim that we are charged to deliver it, we are more responsible to deliver it clearly.

Teaching carries weighty responsibility for spiritual influence.

Greater responsibility means increased accountability.

We are sinners (“For in many things we offend all.”)

We all stumble in many ways, especially with words.

“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.” — Maurice Switzer

Proverbs 17:28 KJV 1900

28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: And he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

Positions of influence incur a greater opportunity for sinful speaking. The more we open our mouth, the more opportunity we have to sin with our words.

Perfect speech would indicate perfect self-control.

“If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.”

The control of the tongue is evidence of extraordinary spiritual maturity. The point that James is making is that for the one who can discipline his tongue, disciplining the rest of his body will come easily.

How does James’ point about the danger of teaching affect you? What are some areas in our lives that we can apply this lesson to?

If you have a teaching responsibility, take it seriously. Study and prepare carefully because your words matter. You are influencing others and communicating God’s Words.

Watch out for hypocrisy. Model what you teach, counsel, or speak to others. Let your words match your actions.

THE POWER OF THE TONGUE

James 3:3–5 KJV 1900

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!

James’ next illustration makes the effort to communicate this truth — The tongue is powerful. Never doubt or underestimate the power of the tongue.

What do the bits and rudder illustrations teach us concerning our tongue?

The human tongue is physically small, but what tremendous effects, it can boast of.

The tongues influence far exceeds its size.

Like the well-known phrase from the beginning, we should never underestimate the power of our words. Words can and do hurt. They are powerful.

Here’s a next question: What is the relationship between our tongue and our heart and how does this fit with the illustration of the tongue as bit and rudder? (see Matthew 12:32-37; Matthew 15:11,16-20; and Mark 7:20-23)

Matthew 15:16–20 KJV 1900

16 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? 17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? 18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

The tongue will inevitably reveal what is on the inside.

The tongue is a reflection of the heart. Remember, our tongue exposes the purity of our faith.

True religion controls the tongue.

So, what does your tongue say about your faith/heart?

What are ways in which we can sin with our tongue? Let’s name all of the ways we sin with our tongue.

Here are some diagnostic questions for us to think about: - Do you talk too much? - Do you pass along choice morsels for others to gleefully take in? - Do you say to people’s faces what you would never say behind their backs? - Do you have the “gift” of a sharp tongue? Are people elevated or diminished through your words?

The challenge is this: We should seek to discipline our tongue.

Proverbs 21:23 KJV 1900

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

Proverbs 13:3 KJV 1900

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

Controlled speech requires intentional effort.

How can you seek to tame your tongue? Let’s list out some ways this is possible.

PRAYER PROMPTS

Pray that you would never underestimate the power and importance of the tongue.

Pray that there would be no hypocrisy between your words and actions.

Pray for greater discipline of your tongue.

Pray for wisdom each time you speak.

Pray that you would exhibit self-control in your speech. (James 1:19-20)

ACTION ITEMS

Keep a “word journal” tracking the impact of your speech.

Create a plan for taming your tongue in specific situations.

List three ways to use your words more constructively.

Ask a friend to honestly evaluate your speech patterns.

PROVERBS REGARDING THE TONGUE

Proverbs 10:11 “11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: But violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.”

Proverbs 10:18 “18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, And he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.”

Proverbs 10:19 “19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: But he that refraineth his lips is wise.”

Proverbs 10:20 “20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: The heart of the wicked is little worth.”

Proverbs 10:21 “21 The lips of the righteous feed many: But fools die for want of wisdom.”

Proverbs 10:31 “31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: But the froward tongue shall be cut out.”

Proverbs 10:32 “32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: But the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.”

Proverbs 11:9 “9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: But through knowledge shall the just be delivered.”

Proverbs 11:11 “11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.”

Proverbs 11:12 “12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: But a man of understanding holdeth his peace.”

Proverbs 11:13 “13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.”

Proverbs 12:6 “6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: But the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.”

Proverbs 12:19 “19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: But a lying tongue is but for a moment.”

Proverbs 12:22 “22 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: But they that deal truly are his delight.”

Proverbs 13:3 “3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: But he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.”

Proverbs 14:3 “3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: But the lips of the wise shall preserve them.”

Proverbs 15:1 “1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: But grievous words stir up anger.”

Proverbs 15:2 “2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: But the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.”

Proverbs 15:4 “4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: But perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.”

Proverbs 15:7 “7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: But the heart of the foolish doeth not so.”

Proverbs 15:14 “14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: But the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.”

Proverbs 15:23 “23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: And a word spoken in due season, how good is it!”

Proverbs 15:28 “28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.”

Proverbs 16:1 “1 The preparations of the heart in man, And the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.”

Proverbs 16:13 “13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; And they love him that speaketh right.”

Proverbs 16:23 “23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips.”

Proverbs 16:24 “24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”

Proverbs 16:27 “27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: And in his lips there is as a burning fire.”

Proverbs 16:28 “28 A froward man soweth strife: And a whisperer separateth chief friends.”

Proverbs 17:4 “4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; And a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.”

Proverbs 17:7 “7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: Much less do lying lips a prince.”

Proverbs 17:9 “9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; But he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.”

Proverbs 17:20 “20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.”

Proverbs 17:27 “27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: And a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.”

Proverbs 17:28 “28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: And he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.”

Proverbs 18:2 “2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, But that his heart may discover itself.”

Proverbs 18:4 “4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, And the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.”

Proverbs 18:4 “4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, And the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.”

Proverbs 18:6 “6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calleth for strokes.”

Proverbs 18:7 “7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.”

Proverbs 18:8 “8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, And they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”

Proverbs 18:13 “13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, It is folly and shame unto him.”

Proverbs 18:20 “20 A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; And with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.”

Proverbs 18:21 “21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”

Proverbs 19:1 “1 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, Than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.”

Proverbs 19:5 “5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, And he that speaketh lies shall not escape.”

Proverbs 19:28 “28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: And the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.”

Proverbs 20:15 “15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.”

Proverbs 20:19 “19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: Therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.”

Proverbs 21:6 “6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue Is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.”

Proverbs 21:23 “23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth his soul from troubles.”

Proverbs 21:28 “28 A false witness shall perish: But the man that heareth speaketh constantly.”

Proverbs 23:9 “9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: For he will despise the wisdom of thy words.”

Proverbs 24:1–2 “1 Be not thou envious against evil men, Neither desire to be with them. 2 For their heart studieth destruction, And their lips talk of mischief.”

Proverbs 24:26 “26 Every man shall kiss his lips That giveth a right answer.”

Proverbs 24:28 “28 Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; And deceive not with thy lips.”

Proverbs 25:11 “11 A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”

Proverbs 25:15 “15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, And a soft tongue breaketh the bone.”

Proverbs 25:23 “23 The north wind driveth away rain: So doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.”

Proverbs 26:2 “2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, So the curse causeless shall not come.”

Proverbs 26:7 “7 The legs of the lame are not equal: So is a parable in the mouth of fools.”

Proverbs 26:9 “9 As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, So is a parable in the mouth of fools.”

Proverbs 26:20 “20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: So where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.”

Proverbs 26:22 “22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, And they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”

Proverbs 26:23 “23 Burning lips and a wicked heart Are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.”

Proverbs 26:24–25 “24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, And layeth up deceit within him; 25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: For there are seven abominations in his heart.”

Proverbs 29:20 “20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him.”

Proverbs 30:11–12 “11 There is a generation that curseth their father, And doth not bless their mother. 12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, And yet is not washed from their filthiness.”

Proverbs 31:26 “26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And in her tongue is the law of kindness.”