There are so many ways we can misuse our tongues, and each way can hurt others deeply and cause bitter feelings.  That’s why James says we must learn to control our tongues.

 

James 3:1-12.  He gives us six reasons why we must control our tongues.  In the last article, we looked at the first three.

 

Review

1.   Because of Potential Judgment (v. 1).

2.   Because of our Sinful Ways (v. 2a).

3.   Because of its Great Power (vv. 2b-5a).

4.   Because of its Destructive Nature (vv. 5b-6).

 

The tongue is like a fire, destructive and widespread.  The Chicago fire in 1871 started with just one spark in Mrs. O’Leary’s barn, but when it was finished…

·    17,500 buildings were destroyed.

·    300 people were dead.

·    125,000 people were homeless.

 

Proverbs 16:27.  “Worthless people plan trouble.  Even their words burn like a flaming fire.”

 

5.  Because of its Difficulty to Tame (vv. 7-8).

Man can tame all types of wild animals, but nobody can tame the tongue.  Even a Christian cannot tame the tongue unless he or she is constantly controlled by the Holy Spirit of God (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:16).

 

6.  Because of its Inconsistency (vv. 9-12).

Blessing and cursing come from the same mouth (vv. 9-10).  James says this is unnatural (vv. 11-12), just like…

·    Fresh water does not produce bitter water.

·    Fig trees do not produce olives.

·    Grapevines do not produce figs.

·    Salt springs do not produce fresh water.

We become consistent in our speech by thinking about the right things (Philippians 4:8).

 

If we can learn to control our tongues with God’s help, we can control any destructive habit that can harm our lives.