James 3:1-12 The Un-Tamable Tongue

James talks frequently about the tongue Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. James 2:12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty.

James talks frequently about the tongue Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. James 5:12 But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.

THE TONGUE GUIDES (verses 2-5) Two illustrations: A small bit guides a large horse. A small rudder guides a large ship.

2. THE TONUGE DESTROYS (verses 6-8) Two Illustrations: A small fire can destroy a great forest. A small tongue is a restless evil full of poison that cannot be tamed.

3. THE TONGUE REVEALS (verses 9-12) Two illustrations: The water reveals the type of fountain. The fruit reveals the type of tree.

Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!   Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight. Proverbs 15:1-2 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

Proverbs 17:27-28 Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.   Proverbs 18:7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. Proverbs 20:19 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.

Matthew 12:34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.  I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.   Matthew 15:18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.