1. Tips for Our Tongues Guidelines for Proper Speech

2. The Tongue has Tremendous Power For Good For Good Bit in a horse’s mouth (James 3:3) Bit in a horse’s mouth (James 3:3) Rudder on a great ship (James 3:4) Rudder on a great ship (James 3:4) “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11) “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11) For Evil For Evil Flame that starts a great forest fire (James 3:5) Flame that starts a great forest fire (James 3:5) “He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.” (Proverbs 13:3) “He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.” (Proverbs 13:3)

3. Using the Tongue for Evil Hypocrisy Hypocrisy Flattery Flattery Gossip Gossip Boasting Boasting Strife Strife Lying Lying Build myself up Tear others down Express hatred Gain possessions Gain power Gain pleasure

4. Proper Speech: Purpose A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (15:1) A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (15:1) The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit (15:4) The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit (15:4) A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction (16:23) A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction (16:23) Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed (11:11) Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed (11:11)

5. Proper Speech: Preparation When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise (10:19) When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise (10:19) He who answers before listening – that is his folly and his shame (18:13) He who answers before listening – that is his folly and his shame (18:13) Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him (29:20) Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him (29:20)

6. Proper Speech: Content A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies (12:17) A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies (12:17) A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret (11:13) A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret (11:13)

7. Proper Speech: Delivery A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (15:1) A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (15:1) Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city (16:32) Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city (16:32) A man finds joy in giving an apt reply – and how good is a timely word! (15:23) A man finds joy in giving an apt reply – and how good is a timely word! (15:23)

8. Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.