FAITH THAT DIRECTS OUR TALK
A Faith That Works When Life Doesn’t
SEPTEMBER 6, 2020
James 3:1-12

James 3:2 – 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.
Matt; 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers for they are the ones that God will call His children.
I. Why must I watch what I say?
1. My tongue directs where I go.
Vs. 3 – When we put bits in the mouths of horses, we can turn the whole animal.
Vs. 4 – 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.
2. My tongue can destroy what I have.
Vs. 5 – Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also
a fire.
Vs. 6 – It sets the whole course of his life on fire and is itself set on fire by hell.
Proverbs 21:23 – If you want to stay out of trouble, be careful what you say.
Vss. 7-8 – All kinds of animals have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the
tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
3. My tongue displays who I am.
It is inconsistent (Verse 9)
Vs. 10 – Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not
be.
Vs. 11 – Can both fresh water and saltwater flow from the same spring? Can a fig tree
bare olives or a grapevine bear figs?

The Problem is my heart.
Matthew 12:34 – For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
II. What’s the solution?
1. Get a new heart.
II. Cor. 5:17 – Rid yourself of all the offenses you have committed and
get a new heart and a new spirit.
2. Ask for God’s help.
Psalm 141:3 – Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord, keep watch over the door of
my lips.
3. Think before you speak.
James 1:19 – Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.
Proverbs 15:4 – Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit.