Curb Your Profanity

James 3:1-12

When we should be speaking only truth and edification, instead we spew deceit and disdain.

How have we wandered so far from righteousness?

Our speech not only effects our present, but also our eternity, so we cannot afford to allow our speech to go unchecked.

Remember, Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires. (v. 2-6)

James uses these images to demonstrate that even something as small and insignificant as the tongue can have a massive impact.

If we’re not careful, we can set spiritual forest fire that cause untold destruction.

Deflate the Puffer Fish (v. 5)

James is showing us that pride is the root of the problem with damaging speech.

Count the Calories

Whatever enters our ears and eyes, whether it’s goodness or garbage, will ultimately flow into our hearts and come out of our mouths.

Clean words flow from a clean heart. If you speak foul, perverse word, you must also assume that foul, perverse things also exist in your heart.

Stick a Cork in it

In James 1:19, James implored us to “be quick to listen, slow to speak.” 

Crack the Whip (v. 7-9)

Do not let destructive talk come out your mouths, but only constructive according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Get a Bigger Boat (v. 10-12)

In a spiritual sense, we might imagine the tongue as some monster shark rampaging the waters and leaving destroyed lives in its wake.

Goodness and wickedness cannot come from the same source.

It should be impossible for curse words or critical speech to come from the mouth of a believer.

If we allow this fresh water to flow from our speech, then we will soon see the harsh salty water dissipate in our lives. 

By choosing to curb your profanity you will see a change in the way you interact with others, but more importantly others will notice because you chose to bless them with words that seasoned with love and encouragement.