The Power of the Tongue

When was the last time someone told you something encouraging? How did you feel?

When was the last time someone discouraged you with what they said? How did you respond?

The TongueThe power of

James Chapter 3

James 1: 19-21

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because

human anger does not produce the righteousness that God

desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the

word planted in you, which can save you.

James 1:26-27

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.  Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

James 3:1-2

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.  We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

James 3:3-8In Pictures

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.

Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.

Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.

Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.

It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind,

but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

Proverbs10:18-20 Whoever conceals hatred with

lying lips     and spreads slander is a fool.

 Sin is not ended by multiplying words,    but the prudent hold their tongues.The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,    but the heart of the wicked is of little value.11:9 With their mouths the godless

destroy their neighbors,    but through knowledge the righteous escape.

Proverbs10:31-32 From the mouth of the

righteous comes the fruit of wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be silenced.

 The lips of the righteous know what finds favor,     but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.11:12-13 Whoever derides their

neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.

 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.

Proverbs12:18 The words of the reckless pierce

like swords,     but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

15:4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life,     but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

16:1-3 To humans belong the plans of the heart,    but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue. All a person’s ways seem pure to them,  but motives are weighed by the Lord.

 Commit to the Lord whatever you do,    and he will establish your plans.

Proverbs17:4 A wicked person listens to deceitful

lips;    a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.

17:27-28 The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,    and discerning if they hold their tongues.25:14-15 Like clouds and wind without

rain    is one who boasts of gifts never given.

 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,     and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

Proverbs18:20-21 From the fruit of their mouth a

person’s stomach is filled;    with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.

 The tongue has the power of life and death,     and those who love it will eat its fruit.

1 Peter 3:9-11Do not repay evil with evil or insult with

insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.  For,

“Whoever would love life    and see good daysmust keep their tongue from evil    and their lips from deceitful speech.They must turn from evil and do good;    they must seek peace and pursue it.” Psalm 34

Isaiah: 50:4The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-

instructed tongue,     to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning,     wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.

And Finally

Action Points:

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

Don’t listen to gossip, it just encourages it.

Be humble and peace-lovingkeep your tongue from evil    and your

lips from deceitful speech.turn from evil and do good;    you must seek peace and pursue it.

The Lord’s Prayer

 " 'Our Father in heaven,    may your name be honored.   May your kingdom come.    May what you want to happen be done       on earth as it is done in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins,  just as we also have

forgiven those who sin against us. Keep us from falling into sin when we are

tempted.    Save us from the evil one.'

Please feel free to ask for prayer