#6: “Taming the Tongue”
SCRIPTURE: James 3:1-18
1Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who
teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone
does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3
If
we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as
well. 4
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. 5 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! 6And 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. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of
reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human
being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9With it we bless our
Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the
same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11Does
a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my
brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.
13Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his
works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in
your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down
from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition
exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure,
then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial
and sincere. 18And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
INTRO:
Wow! How’s that for telling it like it is?
I have read that the average person says about 3,000 words a day. (I have met some
people over the years who probably exceed that number!) In a lifetime, many of us could fill
a library!