I. Your tongue has the power to condemn you. (James 3:1-5a)
A. Teachers in the church are to be few, not many. (3:1)
1. Those who teach the Word to the church are to be few.
To instruct without knowledge is folly.
2. Teachers fall under a stricter judgment than do others.
B. Controlling your tongue manifests a righteous character. (3:2)
1. All men are sinners.
2. You manifest righteous control of all parts of life through righteous control of your tongue.
C. You must never underestimate the impact of what you say. (3:3-5)
1. Speech not controlled by God will tend to be vain. (Ps. 12:2a)
2. Speech not controlled by God will tend to be flattery, not reality. (Ps. 12:2)
3. Speech ot controlled by God will tend to be deceitful. (Ps. 12:2)
4. Speech not controlled by God tends to be boastful. (Ps. 12:4)
II. Your tongue has the power to consume others. (James 3:5-8)
A. You must guard your tongue lest it cause destruction. (3:5b)
B. You must guard yout tongue lest it cause defilement. (3:6)
1. The tongue's true character is iniquitous. (3:6)
2. The tongue's defilement extends to the whole body or person. (3:6)
3. The tongue touches every aspect of life and every area of the world. (3:6)
III. Your tongue has the power to be contradictory. (James 3:9-12)
A. The tongue contradicts itself. (3:9-10)
B. The tongue contradicts nature. (3:11-12)