• James 3:2-10
    For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
     
  • James 1:19-20
    So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
     
  • Proverbs 18:21
    Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
    And those who love it will eat its fruit.

     
  • Matthew 12:36
    But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
     
  • Ephesians 4:31
    Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
     
  • Colossians 3:12
    Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
     
  • James 3:17-18
    But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
     
For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Tongue, Control of


Resources

Are You Sharp-Tongued? (Part One)

'Ready Answer' by Staff

The tongue may be the most untamed beast on earth! James says we all offend in word. But James 3 is filled with wisdom regarding how we can overcome the beast.


The Tongue: Our Tool of Power

'Ready Answer' by Staff

Our hurtful words can create scars that last longer than any physical scar that sticks and stones may cause. Christians must harness the power of the tongue.


Are You Sharp-Tongued? (Part Two)

'Ready Answer' by Staff

James' exhortation about the use of the tongue seems to stop with James 3:12. However, the rest of the chapter provides more wisdom on controlling our speech.


Profanity (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Profane living is equally, if not more significant, than profane words or speech. W bear the name of God; how we act and behave reflects on God.


Profanity (Part One)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Christ's blood makes us holy; we are a new creation, having an intimate relationship with God. We need to change our behavior to reflect this new status.


The Essence of Self-Control

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

A lack of self-control, as well as the cultivation of self-indulgent perversions, will characterize large segments of our society living at the end times.


The Art of Tact and Diplomacy

'Ready Answer' by Staff

Much of a Christian's judgment will be based on his interactions with people. Enter tact and diplomacy, two necessary tools in the task of getting along.


Listen, Wait, and Then Speak

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

James provides some of the best advice on communication and control of the tongue. The correct order of communication is listening, waiting, and then responding.



For more resources, please see the library topic for Tongue, Control of