For Evil or Good?

James 1:26, 3:2-12

Your Tongue

1. Nature


what the tongue is compared to in these verses

* Bit * Spark * Rudder

*Wild Animal * Spring * Fruit


- it sets your course
Proverbs 13:3, 11:12

Mother: What is a lie?

Son: It is an abomination to God... but a very present help in time of need. :o)


do you lie? speak to quickly/too much? can people trust you?



* consider the power of your words

it can tear down:

friends, family, homes etc.


it can build up:

heal, calm, encourage etc.


- it reveals your heart
Luke 6:43-45

... out of your heart your mouth speaks...

- it builds and destroys
Proverbs 12:18, 18:21, 25:11

men can inspire millions by their words...

...and destroy them just as easily

the tongue contains poison

it can be our worst enemy

* Our speech is not going to be naturally good - we are not naturally good- it is only through Christ and in submission to Him that he can 'Season' our speech

2. Nurture

We need to have consistency in our speech
Psalm 19:14, Colossians 4:6

it should:

be pleasing to God, build people up, develop wisdom in what we say


-principles that guide our speech

is it:
True
Helpful- it might not be what they want to hear, but is it helpful?
Inspiring- Proverbs 12:25
Necessary
Kind- what is my motive?

Think before you speak

-process
James 1:19

Listen, slow to speak-seek to understand, slow to become angry

practice not grumbling


*try to think of all the good things, things that you appreciate about a person that you are angry with - shift your perspective


"It is better to keep you mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and remove all doubt"
- Mark Twain

James 3:2

"he is able... to keep his whole body in check..."

Focus on:

I want my speech to be Godly