The Book of James: Managing Your Mouth
James 3:1-12 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 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. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 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. 5 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. 6 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. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. (NIV)
James 3:2 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. (NIV)
WHY DO MY WORDS MATTER?
1. MY WORDS SET THE DIRECTION OF MY LIFE.
James 3:3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. (NIV)
James 3:4 Although ships are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. (NIV)
Proverbs 18:21a The tongue has the power of life and death. (NIV)
2. MY WORDS CAN TEAR DOWN WHAT I’VE BUILT.
James 3:5b-6a Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire… (NIV)
James 3:6b It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire… (NIV)
Proverbs 21:23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. (NLT)
James 3:7-8 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (NIV)
3. MY WORDS REVEAL WHAT’S HAPPENING INSIDE ME.
James 3:10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. (NIV)
James 3:11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? (NIV)
THE REAL ISSUE: THE HEART
Matthew 12:34b For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. (NIV)
HOW DO WE CHANGE THE WAY WE SPEAK?
1. LET GOD CHANGE YOUR HEART.
Ezekiel 18:31 Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (NIV)
2. INVITE GOD TO HELP YOU DAILY
Psalm 141:3 Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. (NIV)
3. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK.
James 1:19 Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (NIV)
Before you speak, ask:
- Is it true?
- Is it necessary?
- Is it loving?
- Is it helpful?
- Is it honoring to Christ?