Curbing Your Tongue

Today we conclude James’ teaching on the tongue (James 3:1-12). In light of James’ teaching, I’d like to challenge us to do three things this week. May this be our daily prayer as we ask for God’s help:

1) Help Me Think Before I Speak

Someone ¹ has encouraged us to ask the following questions before we open our mouths to speak. Before we say what we’re going to say, we are wise to first ask ourselves:

• Is it true?

• Is it kind?

• Is it necessary?

• Does it improve upon the silence?

2) Help Me Use My Words To Edify

To edify is “to build up.” We should always speak in ways that “build up” another person, helping them, rather than “tearing down” that person with our words.

3) Help Me Encourage Others to Do the Same (No Gossip)

We help others when we refuse to engage in negative criticism or gossip. We also help others by lovingly correcting them when they speak this way. When a person begins to speak to you this week in a way that is harsh or critical of another person, remind them that Jesus teaches to go to that person directly with their criticism (Matthew 18:15-17). Tell them, “Do as Jesus says. Go to that person directly and share with them.” And be sure that you yourself do the same.

What About You?

• Do you see an overall pattern of improvement in the use of your tongue? If not, what does this mean and what will you do about it?
• How does the secular world operate regarding James’ teaching on the tongue? In other words, do you think successful CEOs speak the way James urges?
• What are ways you can use your tongue this week to edify a spouse or a child or another family member?

**Excerpt from You’re Either Walking The Walk Or Just Running Your Mouth (Preaching Truth: 2020), pages 114-115, available here.

 Prior Comments:

1. directorfsm Back in the day when I was in the US Army, ’74-’94, and long before I was a Christian, I used to have a simple sign that said “STD” I got razzed about it because of another acronym those letters stood for at the time. However mine stood or STOP, THINK and DO! When folks would ask, I would always tell them even opening my mouth without thinking first is a dangerous
   • authorTodd Linn, PhDTrue! Btw, love that STD has more than one meaning

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