Notes of a talk first given in 1979.

James 1:26 – ‘If someone thinks he is religious yet does not bridle his tongue, and so deceives his heart, his religion is futile.’

‘The pen is mightier than the sword’ – reminds us that writing has often proved a more powerful weapon than fighting.

A still more effective instrument of good or evil is the tongue.

This verse teaches us that a bridled tongue is a measure of our standing as Christians.

1. Why so important?

• Prov 18:21 – ‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue.’
• ‘Careless talk costs lives’.
• Courtroom – verdict depends on what witnesses etc. say.
• Proclaiming the gospel leads to life – Rom 10:14
• James 3:2-8

2. The unbridled tongue

(a) Untruthful speech (9^th Commandment)

(i) It is abhorrent to God:

• • ‘Spirit of Truth’
  • ‘Father of lies’
  • Prov 12: 22

(ii) It is hurtful to others:

• • ‘No physician can heal the wounds…^,
  • Damage of gossiping, meddling, rumors, criticisms.
  • ‘Sticks & stones…’
  • ‘Love your enemies’.

(iii) It is harmful to ourselves:

Prov 12: 15

Examples: woman ‘adjusts’ her age; businessman says ‘say I’m not in’, – both build up a tissue of lies.

(b) Abusive speech

Mt 5:22 – linked with murder. A ‘verbal knife’. E.g. driver.

(c) Unwholesome speech

Eph 4: 29; 5: 4 — putrid, rotten, corrupt

3. The bridled tongue

1. 1. Truthful – Eph 4:15
   2. Responsible – 1 Pet 4:11
   3. Useful – Mt 12:56

4. How to construct a bridle for the tongue

1. 1. A right heart – Lk 6:45
   2. Watchfulness – Psa 141:3
   3. Prayer – Psa 19:14