Book of James Taming the Tongue

Six pictures of the tongue 

• The Bit
• The Rudder
• Fire
• A Poisonous Animal
• A Fountain
• A Fig Tree

Power to direct: the Bit and the Rudder

• The Bit (v.3)
  • A small bit enables a rider to control a powerful horse.
• The Rudder (v.4)
  • A small rudder enables the Captain to command a huge ship.

Power to destroy : the Fire and Animal (James 5-8) 

• Fire
  • Our words can start fires.
  • The tongue can “heat things up.” (vs.5-6)
• Animal (vs. 7-8)
  • The tongue is also like a dangerous animal.

Power to Delight: The Fountain and Tree (James 3:9-12) 

• Fountain
• Provides the cool water that man needs 
  • Prov.18:4; 10:11a; 13:14
  • Water is life-giving, and our words can give life.
    • Prov.18:21
    • Tree
    • Vital to survival 
    • Prov. 10:21a; John 6:63b)
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Warning from James (James 3:10-12) 

• Problem is the heart
  • James 3:13-14
  • Tongue
    • The smallest but largest trouble maker in all the world.