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Message Notes
Three Principles to Tame Our Tongue
1. Never Underestimate Its Power
- It Has the Power to Bring Judgment to Our Lives
“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For 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.” —James 3:1-2
- It Has the Power to Control Our Lives
“If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 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.” —James 3:3-4
- It Has the Power to Destroy Our Lives
“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! And 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.” —James 3:5-6
One careless word can destroy a life overnight.
2. Never Turn It Loose
“For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” —James 3:7-8
- It Must Be Guarded
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue. Guards his soul from troubles.” —Proverbs 21:23
“Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the doors of my lips.” —Psalms 141:3
3. Always Listen to What it Says
“With 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.” —James 3: 9-10
- It Reveals What’s in Our Hearts
“Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.” —James 3:11-12
“For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” —Matthew 12:34
“The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life.” —Proverbs 10:11
If you have a problem with your words…
- Admit that you have a problem
“He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.” —Proverbs 28:13
- Ask God to change your heart
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” —Psalm 51:10 (KJV)
- Ask God for help everyday
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.” —Psalms 141:3
- Ask a friend to hold you accountable