How to Manage Your Mouth

James 3:1-13
Dr. Roger Ferguson
August 24 2003

Theme: Words. Each of us read, hear or speak thousands daily. Do you build up or tear down? Healthy relationships require wise use of words. You have two ears and one mouth to listen more than speak. Listen to God through His word—speak only that which exalts Him.

I. Manage your mouth by understanding the power of the tongue. (3:1-2)

1. Teachers must guard their tongues to instruct and encourage.

True
Helpful
Inspiring
Necessary
Kind

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Proverbs 18:21

II. Manage your mouth by realizing the tongue reveals what the heart conceals. (3:3-8)

Sins of the tongue:

1. Lying: tell untrue or exaggerated information.

“Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he hold his tongue.”
Proverbs 17:28

2. Slander/Gossip: When you tell someone about another’s sin who can’t/won’t do anything constructive about it.

“Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.”
Proverbs 26:20

III. Mange your mouth by wisely using words.
(3:9-12)

1. Speak Gratitude. (3:9)

“Through Jesus, Therefore, Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.”
Hebrews 13:15

2. Find solutions not problems.

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Colossians 4:6

3. Cultivate your walk with Christ and your words will have power.

Put it to work:
James 1:22 says “Be doers of the word and not hearers only.”
1. If we could watch a video of your conversation this week, would people say you are an encourager or a discourager?
2. Do you need to go to anyone and apologize for your words? Do it today!