"The
Taming Of The Tongue"
James 3:3-12
"The Taming Of The Tongue"
James 3:3-12
Background and emphasis of James, i.e., deeds, conduct, behaviour… Illus. Dr.’s visit.. "open up…" Hypothesis: A person in control of their tongue can be in control of their actions.
I. The Controlled Tongue, vss. 3-4
A. The internal control of the bit…
B. The external control of the rudder…
II. The Careless Tongue, vss. 5-8
A. The destruction of the careless tongue…
1. A raging, hellish fire, vss. 5-6
This fire destroys reputations with gossip, slander, and lies
2. A world of iniquity, wickedness, and disease…, vs. 6
3. An uncontrolled force for evil, vs. 8
4. A deadly poison, vs.8
B. The display of the careless tongue…It is seen as…
1. Cursing, Romans 3:13,14, "Their throat is an open sepulchure; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:"
2. "Filthy communication…", Colossians 3: 8, Eph. 5: 3
3. Lying, Colossians 3:8-9, "Lie not one to another…" (exaggeration)
4. Murmering and disputings, Philippians 2: 14, "Do all things without murmurings and disputing." (complaining and arguing)
5. Foolish jesting, Eph. 5:4
6. Evil speaking, Eph. 4:31 (gossip, slander…)
7. Corrupt (tearing down…discouraging) speaking, Eph. 4:29, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearer.", i.e., negative report.
III. The Contradictory Tongue, vss. 9-12
Many a witness has been nullified due to an uncontrolled tongue.
IV. The Christ-honoring Tongue, vss. 13-18
"May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy
sight, o Lord, my strength and redeemer." Psalm 19:14