THE TONGUE

Introduction:
   1. James 1:-12.
   2. Illustration: Greek Philosopher.
   3. The conflict of the tongue -- for Good or Evil.
   4. Jas. 3:9 -- For blessing or cursing.
   5. And, as usual, the cursing has far greater
      influence, repercussions, than blessing.
   6. Cf. FIRE (vs 6) How helpful fire can be. Without it man
      could not exist. Look at the many good things accomplished
      with fire. Food cooked; Homes heated; Factories run; etc.
          Yet, HOW DESTRUCTIVE. Forests ruined, Houses destroyed,
      Lives lost, Millions lost, etc..
          Fire must be controlled, rightfully used!!!
   7. Tongue is a fire!!!
   8. Cf. DOCTOR.  First the thing the doctor does is examine the
      tongue. "Stick out your tongue."
          So also, the tongue reveals the spiritual condition of
      the soul, the tongue exposes the heart. Matt. 12:34.
   9. Matt 26:69-74 -- Peter's speech betrayed him.
  10. The world is examining our tongue.
  11. Old Indian Adage: "You speak with a forked tongue." Not
      dependable, a liar, not to be trusted; no friend.
  12. Illustration: The directions that come with a well known
      brand of fountain pens says, "When this pen runs too freely,
      it is a sign that it is nearly empty."
  13.  The tongue will either BLESS or CURSE:

BODY:
  I. BLESSING: The tongue can be used as a blessing.
      1. To teach God's Word -- 2 Tim. 2:2.
          We teach by mouth, daily, in classes.
          Titus 2:1-15 -- "But speak thou the things which befit
                sound doctrine....."
      2. To encourage others. -- Eph 5:19; Acts 18:27-28 (Apollos)
          1 Thess. 5:14 -- encourage the fainthearted....
      3. Teach our children -- Eph 6:1-4.
      4. Used wisely in the home;; pleasant, easing stresses, etc.
          Eph. 4:29-34. How essential to our well being.

 II. CURSING: The tongue can be used in very negative ways:
      1. Gossip -- 1 Tim. 5:13 "tattlers"
          Much of what is said should not have been said. If
              something good cannot be said, best to say nothing.
      2. Discouragement.  Criticism. Words can tear down.
          It seems that there are those who delight in the
              mistakes of others. Take joy in others' failures.
      3. Foul Language.  Contrary to God's desires.
          Jas. 3:9-12.
          Some would sing praises to God on Sunday and then curse
               their fellow man on Monday.
          Eph. 4:29; Col. 4:6; Titus 2:8.
      4. The power that can control the tongue can control the
         whole body. Jas 3:3,4. What a small rudder on such a
         large ship; yet, the rudder controls the path of the
         ship.

III. Other passages:
      1. Ps. 34:13 -- Keep thy tongue from evil...
      2. Prov. 21:23 -- Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue
         Keepeth his soul from trouble.
      3. Jer. 9:8 --tongue is a deadly arrow...
      4. 1 John 3:18 -- love not in word, neither with the tongue,
         but in deed and truth.

Conclusion:
   1. Tongue must confess Christ. -- Rom. 10:9-10
   2. Every tongue should confess that Jesus is Lord. Phil. 2:11.
   3. Each one must confess Him -- Matthew 10:32.
   4. Which leads to obedience to Him.

GREEK PHILOSOPHER: Greek Philosopher asked his servant to provide
the best dish possible. The servant prepared a dish of tongue,
saying, "It is the best of all dishes, because with it we may
bless and communicate happiness, dispel sorrow, remove despair,
cheer the faint hearted, inspire the discouraged, and say a
hundred other things to uplift mankind."
   Later the philosopher asked his servant to provide the worst
dish of which he could think. A dish of tongue appeared on the
table. The servant said, "It is the worst, because with it we may
curse and break human hearts; destroy reputations; promote discord
and strife; set families, communities, and nations at war with
each other."
   He was a wise servant.

Return to Index
Home