GUARD YOUR TONGUE
James 3:1-18 KJV
1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we offend all. If any many offend not in work, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity; so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7 For every kind of beasts and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind; 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
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10 Out of the same mouth proceeded blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren bear olive berries? Either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. `13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge amount you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
GUARD YOUR TONGUE -
IT IS LIKE A WORLD OF INIQUITY
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Stop offending one another.
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Use your tongue to bless and not curse.
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Use your tongue for good conversation.
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Using your tongue in a negative way will cause envy and strife.
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If you are full of envy and strife you will be partakers of evil works. The Lord called you to good works.
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Learn to make PEACE.
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Learning how not to offend makes you a mature Christian.
Key Terms
Guard to secure against injury, loss or attach; to defend; to keep in safety; to accompany for protection; to be on one's guard against; to take pains to avoid doing or saying; to watch by way of caution or defense.
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(Definition: Universal Knowledge-Self Education, Chicago 1961)