Text: James 3:18

Topic: Why the tongue must be harnessed

Introduction:

• Illustration: One Scotch friend used the phrase, "Heart your tongue!"
• We must be careful of how we talk because words are powerful.

Our Words Have Awesome Impact on Others.

• Like a ship's rudder, words can steer people on or off course.
• Illustration: The hearing process is described in detailed, medical terms.

Our Words Are Our Responsibility.

• Like a fire, words can burn out of control.
• Illustration: A man tells a destructive and ultimately untrue story about a man in his village, and struggles to find forgiveness.
• Illustration: Ogilvie has the congregation experiment to discover their G reluctance to say the wrong thing.
• Matthew 12:3337

Conclusion:

• The only antidote is the meekness of wisdom.
• Illustration: The hymn Lord Speak to Me That I May Speak is a prayer for how we use our words.