TAMING THE TONGUE

A FAITH THAT WORKS WHEN LIFE DOESN’T

James 3:1–12 ESV

How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.

A. THE TONGUE’S TREMENDOUS POWER

James 3:3–5 ESV

If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!

B. THE TERRIBLE TURMOIL OF THE TONGUE

James 3:6–8 ESV

And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

C. THE TENSION OF THE TONGUE

James 3:9–12 ESV

With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.

I. CRITICISM IS NOT A SPIRITUAL GIFT!

Philippians 2:14 ESV

Do all things without grumbling or disputing,

II. IF YOU CAN’T SAY SOMETHING NICE, BE QUIET!

Proverbs 15:23 ESV

To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!

III. SPEAK THE TRUTH…IN LOVE!

Ephesians 4:15 ESV

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

IV. BE LIFE-GIVING WITH YOUR WORDS!

Proverbs 15:31 ESV

The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.