"We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check." - James 3:2
Why must I watch what I say?
1. My tongue directs where I go.
"When we put bits in the mouths of horses ... we can turn the whole animal." - James 3:3
"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." - James 3:4
2. My tongue can destroy what I have.
"Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire - James 3:5
“Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest. Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose” Prov 18:20-21
"... it sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." - James 3:6b
3. My tongue reveals Who I Am.
“We use our tongues to praise our Lord and Father, but then we curse people, whom God made like himself.” - James 3:9
"Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be." - James 3:10
"Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? ... can a fig tree bear olives or a grapevine bear figs?" - James 3:12
4. The root of the problem is with my heart.
"For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." - Matthew 12:34."
“After Jesus called the crowd to him, he said, “Listen and understand what I am saying. It is not what people put into their mouths that makes them unclean. It is what comes out of their mouths that makes them unclean.” - Matthew 15:10-11
5. The solution to the problem is to Get a new heart!
"Rid yourself of all the offenses you have committed and get a new heart and a new spirit!" - Ezekiel 18:31
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” - 2 Corinthians 5:17
6. We must make it a practice to ask God for help every day.
"Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips." - Psalms 141:3
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer” - Psalms 19:14
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. “ - Proverbs 4:23
7. We must think before we speak
"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." - James 1:19
8. We must be careful what we watch, what we read, what we listen to.
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." - Joshua 1:8
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.” - Philippians - 4:8-9
Yes - It matters.
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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