We all stumble in many ways (Taming the Tongue)

 James 3:1-11 NIV

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.

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.

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and saltwater flow from the same spring?

 Does Our words matter?

Words are incredibly powerful. They can build up, encourage, and motivate. Words can also tear down, hurt, and cause horrible scars.

 How to use our words.

• Refrain from gossip
  • The Bible warns us…
  • “The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid someone with a big mouth.” Prov 20:19 (HCSB)
  • “A contrary man spreads conflict, and a gossip separates friends.” Prov 16:28 (HCSB)
• Use clean words
  • Can you finish this sentence? wash our mouths out with soap
• Use truthful words
  • Jesus said, “But let your word ‘yes’ be ‘yes,’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no.’ Anything more than this is from the evil one.” Matt 5:37 (HCSB
• Use edifying words
  • The Bible says, “No rotten talk should come from your mouth, but only what is good for the building up of someone in need, in order to give grace to those who hear.” Eph 4:29 (HCSB)
• Poisonous Words
  • If we are to please God and maintain a testimony that brings glory to our Lord, we must learn to control what we say.
  • James 1:26 says, “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless”

 Dear Lord God, please forgive me of my sins, especially for my usage of the tongue. Please help me think first and listen carefully to the conversations going on. In Jesus name I ask this in, Amen.

Patrick Brown was born at Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, AZ on February 25^th, 1949. He became a Christian Believer when he stepped off the plane in Vietnam in 1971. Since that time, he has devoted his life to the Lord through ministering as a Sunday School teacher in various churches in Mississippi. He is a graduate of Exploding Evangelism (EE) and certified as a Gospel Evangelist Trainer. Patrick is a member on staff at Christian Grandfather Magazine in charge of Daily Devotionals. He and his wife, Sherrilyn, enjoy retirement in Ridgeland, MS.