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Hung By The Tongue
Contributed by Ralph Coleman on Nov 1, 2001 (message contributor)
Summary: Be careful how you talk
HUNG BY THE TONGUE
James 3:5,6
Mark 15:13,14
Luke 23:21
John 19:5,6
The Tongue: The organ of taste and speech. In addition to its many references to the tongue in a literal sense, the Bible also uses the word tongue for a particular language or dialect. The word tongue also refers to a people or race with a common language.
The little member of your body that is tucked behind 2 rows of teeth, and enclosed by 2 lips.
When I think of such a small member, I’ve always wonder why and how the tongue can do so much damage. Since the beginning of time men and women all over the world have been loved, blessed and persecuted by the tongue.. One minute the same tongue that say I Love You, then the next that same tongue will call you everything, including a child of God.... Down through the walks of life, Many have been hung by the tongue.
The tongue can life you high — then cast you low
The tongue give you honor — then in the same breath discredit you
The tongue can make you look good — then make one look bad
The tongue can dress you up — then make you look naked
All through the Bible the tongue has played it’s role in the life of man.
With the tongue — Adam said, “I am naked”
With the tongue — Noah said, “It’s going to rain”
With the tongue — Moses said, “Let my people go”
With the tongue — Joshua said, “We can possess the land”
With the tongue — David sent for Bathsheba
With the tongue — Isaiah said, Woe is me
With the tongue — Jesus said, Father forgive them, for they know not what they do
The tongue can be sharpened like a sword, or bit like a serpent--
The tongue has the ability to utter caustic, poisonous words.
Like a bow, the tongue can project lies or like an arrow, can be shot out, striking down with its deceit.
The tongue can be used as a weapon for attack, wounding like a sharp sword.
The tongue can be used for flattery, backbiting, deceit, unrestrained speech, lying, strife, cursing, destruction, and craftiness.
People may use the tongue to sin, or to speak of the Lord’s righteousness and sing praises to God. The tongue of the wise promotes health. The tongue of the righteous is a treasure, like choice silver. The Bible speaks of keeping the tongue from evil, and of guarding the tongue, as a Christian we should learn how to bridle the tongue.
The tongue is an indicator of a person’s spirit: it reveals what is in the heart. In our text James warns specifically against the evil of an uncontrolled and uncharitable tongue. Look at what James says in verse 5--- Even though the tongue is a little member, it boasted great things, behold, how great a matter a little fire findleth. How can something so small be so dangerous... If God is not in control of your life, your tongue will be uncontrollable.
You can tell me that you are santified and fill with the Holy Spirit all you want... But if your tongue is loose....
Just as a small match can start a huge fire.... So can the tongue.. Verse 6 says, And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. When the tongue speaks evil, it defiles the whole body.
The tongue can change your future —
The tongue can take you to heaven or send you to hell
Animals can be tamed, but the tongue cannot
With the tongue we bless God, even the Father, and therewith curse we men.. Can a fountain send forth at the same time sweet water and bitter..
Look at what the tongue did for Jesus..
Just a few days earlier — Jesus taught the multitude
Just a few days earlier — Jesus healed blind Bartimaeus
Just a few days earlier — Jesus raised the widows’ son from the dead
Just a few days earlier — Jesus prays for all believers
Just a few days earlier — Jesus fed the 5000 with 2 fish and 5 barley loaves
And all the whole multitude of them arose, and led Him unto Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King...
With the tongue —