James 3:2–12 (NLT) — 2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. 3 We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. 4 And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. 5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. 7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. 10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! 11 Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? 12 Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.
1. Our Words are Steering Our Lives
- They are steering our lives like the bit in a horse's mouth.
- They bring things to life or put things to death.
- Proverbs 18:21 (NLT) — The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
- You must learn to respect your words.
- You’ll give an account for every idle word.
- Matthew 12:36–37 (NLT) — And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”
- Next to free will, speech is one of the greatest gifts God gives to humans.
- "The greatest contribution to the success or failure of your life will be your words."
2. What’s down in the well comes up in the bucket
- God’s Word is a mirror of His heart.
- Jesus said - Luke 6:45 (ESV) — 45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
- Your words come from whatever is abundantly dwelling in your heart.
- Whatever you are holding on to.
- Whatever you are obsessing over.
- Whatever you are receiving in.
- Whatever sin you tolerate.
- Pressure squeezes out whatever is inside.
3. We’re Either Building or Bulldozing
Words that tear down:
- Careless — "There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts" (Proverbs 12:18 ESV)
- Harsh — "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1 ESV)
- Deceptive — "Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but in those who act faithfully he delights." (Proverbs 12:22 ESV)
- Negative — "How long shall this wicked congregation grumble against me? I have heard the grumblings of the people of Israel, which they grumble against me." (Numbers 14:27 ESV)
- Corrupt — "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29 ESV)
Words that build up:
- Healing — "Gentle words are a tree of life" (Proverbs 15:4 NLT)
- Honest — Ephesians 4:15 (NASB95) — 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,
- Gracious — "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt" (Colossians 4:6 ESV);
- Timely — "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver." (Proverbs 25:11 ESV)
4. Restrain and Release
- Wisdom knows how to exercise restraint!
- James 1:19–20 (NASB95) — 19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
- Before you speak - LISTEN.
- After you listen - BE SLOW TO SPEAK.
- Wisdom knows how to release
- When the time comes to release your words, several things are important:
- Is it TRUE
- is it NECESSARY
- Is it EDIFYING
- Is it KIND
