1. Dangers to the pure heart - 6

2. It is imperative that we maintain a pure heart (Prov. 4:23, 3:5-6)
BUT, there are dangers to keeping the heart pure.
In this lesson we will discuss some of these dangers

3. Dangers Lust - Sensuality Lust – Covetousness and Pride
Ignorance & Unbelief
Busyness & clutter
Bitterness
The tongue

4. The Tongue
James 3:1-12
We all stumble in word (2). IF we can master the tongue we can “bridle the whole body”
Though small in size, it turns the whole body (3-4)

5. The Tongue
James 3:1-12
It is little but boasts great things (5). The danger of a fire
A fire, a world of iniquity (6)
Set on fire by “hell” (6b)

6. The Tongue
James 3:1-12
It cannot be tamed (7-8). NOT you individually, but in general
An unruly evil, full of deadly poison (8)

7. The Tongue James 3:1-12 With it we bless God and curse men (9).
These things ought not be so (10)
Fresh and bitter water (11-12)
POINT: Guard your tongue!

8. The Tongue It can do great damage!
Starts wars, severs friendships, destroys families, divides churches
Have led to depression, suicide, feelings of worthlessness, etc.
Frustrate good works

9. The Tongue Abusive words can cause us to avoid dealing with problems
Deceived many with false teaching
The sins of the tongue are legion

10. The Tongue
Prov. 4:23, “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.”

11. The Tongue
Matt. 12:33-37 “Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.”

12. The Tongue
Matt. 12:33-37 “…But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

13. The Tongue
Matt. 15:18-19 “…But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.”

14. The Tongue
Prov. 15:4, “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”

15. The Tongue
Eph. 4:29, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”

16. The Tongue
Prov. 12:17-20, “He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit…”

17. The Tongue
James 1:26, “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.”

18. The Tongue
James 1:26, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”

19. Sins of the tongue Gossip – 2 Thess. 3:11, 1 Thess. 4:11
Complaining and criticism – James 5:9, Phil. 2:14-15
Lying – Rev. 21:8, Eph. 4:25
Profanity – Col. 3:8, Eph. 4:29-32

20. Dealing with the Tongue
Self-Control is the answer to dealing with the tongue

21. Dealing with the Tongue
Realize the damage the tongue can do
Watch where you go and what you listen to – 1 Cor. 15:33, Phil. 4:8
Resolve you will filter what you say – Psa. 141:3, 39:1

22. Dealing with the Tongue
THINK before you speak – James 1:19-20, Prov. 15:28, 10:19
Seek to use your tongue for good – cf. 1 Thess. 5:14

23. Are you controlling your tongue?