Read James 3:1-10.
The tongue is a unique member - it is the only member of
our body which by its action can convey our spirit.
One would do well to consider the importance of the
tongue. It may surprise you as to it's
capabilities. For example...
ƒ The tongue is a sign of what a man is in his heart. The person who does not control his tongue
deceives his own heart (Js. 1:26). Jesus said we speak "out of the
abundance of the heart" (Mt. 12:34).
The tongue reveals the inner man.
ƒ The tongue is a sign of Christian perfection (or lack of
same). Whoever controls the tongue is a
perfect person (Jas. 3:2).
ƒ The tongue is a sign of vain or real religion (Js. 1:26). It is not the excellent performance of religious activity but the way we control
the tongue that is the measure of true religion.
ƒ The tongue is a sign of good or bad days to come. Whoever wants to see good days ahead will
control the tongue (1 Pt. 3:10-11).
The significance of the tongue is seen in the list of seven
things the Lord hates in Prov. 6:16-19.
Of the seven, three are directly related to the tongue:
1. Falsehood - lying.
2. False witness - we all tell things that we have heard second
hand.
3. Sowing discord amongst the brethren.
The tongue's great power is seen in other ways in James 3.
ƒ Though small it can do great things, even as...
1. A bit in a horses mouth, v3.
2. A rudder on a ship, v4.
3. A match in a great forest, v5.
ƒ It can bring a great blessing or a great curse, v9-10.
ƒ It is a world of
iniquity, v6.
ƒ All hell is behind the tongue, v6.
ƒ And it is full of deadly poison, v8.
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