October 14-15, 2006, Proverbs 6:16-19, Selected

WHAT GOD APPLAUDS!
TAMING OUR TONGUES!

*** Proverbs 6:16-19 "There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers." [New International Version]
*** James 3:2 "We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way." [New Living Translation]
*** Proverbs 17:27a "A man of knowledge uses words with restraint...." [NIV]

WE TAME OUR TONGUES BY:

1. UNDERSTANDING THE "WHY"!

A. MY MOUTH DIRECTS WHERE I GO!
*** James 3:3 "When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal." [NIV]
*** James 3:4 "Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go." [NIV]

WE SHAPE OUR WORDS THEN OUR WORDS SHAPE US!

*** Psalm 34:12-13 "Do any of you want to live a life that is long and good? Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from telling lies!" [NLT]

B. MY MOUTH CAN DESTROY WHAT I HAVE!
*** James 3:5 "Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark." [NIV]

VERBAL ARSONISTS!

*** James 3:6 "The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." [NIV]

FIRE / WORDS UNDER CONTROL IS DELIGHTFUL!
FIRE / WORDS OUT OF CONTROL IS DESTRUCTIVE!

*** James 3:7-8 "All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." [NIV]
*** Proverbs 13:3 "Be careful what you say and protect your life. A careless talker destroys himself." [Today’s English Version]
***Proverbs 21:23 "If you want to stay out of trouble, be careful what you say." [TEV]

C. MY MOUTH DISPLAYS JUST WHO I AM!
*** James 3:9-10 "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be." [NIV]
*** Eph. 4:29 "Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." [NLT]
*** James 3:11-12 "Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water." [NLT]
*** Matthew 12:34 "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." [NIV]
*** Proverbs 18:20 "You will have to live with the consequences of everything you say." [TEV]

2. ADOPTING THE "HOW"!

A. BY RECEIVING A NEW HEART!
*** Ezekiel 18:31a "Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit." [NIV]
*** Psalm 51:10 "Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me." [NLT]
*** 2 Cor. 5:17 "When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!" [Living Bible]

NOT JUST TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF, BUT GETTING A NEW LIFE!

B. BY THINKING BEFORE SPEAKING!
*** James 1:19 "Brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry...." [NIV]

T – Is it Truthful?
H – Is it Helpful?
I – Is it Inspirational?
N – Is it Necessary?
K – Is it Kind!

*** Proverbs 12:18 "Careless words stab like a sword, but wise words bring healing."
[New Century Version]
*** Proverbs 16:24 "Pleasant words are like a honey, making people happy and healthy." [NCV]

C. BY ASKING DAILY FOR GOD'S HELP!
*** Psalm 141:3 "Lord, help me control my tongue; help me be careful about what I say." [NCV]
*** James 1:26 "Anyone who says he is a Christian but doesn't control his sharp tongue is just fooling himself, and his religion isn't worth much." [LB]

"You have examined my heart; you have tested me all night. You questioned me without finding anything wrong; I have not sinned with my mouth."
-- Psalm 17:3 [New Century Version]