THERE IS A PART OF THE BIBLE THAT WARNS ALL READERS ABOUT A SAVAGE BEAST THAT IS ALMOST UNTAMEABLE

1. This Wild beast, and also the greatest bane or blessing to any man- is the human Tongue - afire
2. This tongue can be used to comfort, cheer, heal the hurt of a child, win a soul to Christ-
3. This same tongue can be used to rend a heart, start a wildfire of gossip, curse a friend, and condemn ones own self to endless regret, and terrible condemnation.

I.- YOUR LIPS, A CHANNEL OF POISON James 3:8

The worst kind of Air pollution, poison in the mainstream, echo of hate, longer life than radioactivity

A. THE GREATEST FIRE IS KINDLED BY THE LITTLEST FLAME, AND THE TONGUE IS SET ON FIRE BY HELL! v.5,6

1. The tongue is a little match- that can light great flames, & once started race like wildfire-
2. Sometimes the things spread can be so terrible-but believed- "Preacher Bjork swapped wives"
3. It boasts great things- note v.1,-men trying to be leaders in early church-boasting, dangerous

B.- THE EVIL TONGUE CANNOT BE CONTROLLED, NO WAY CAN MAN WHO HAS TAMED THE WILD, TAME THIS BEAST - 7,8

1. V.7 may be an overstatement, but man was given dominion over the animal world-& has done great
2. But when it comes to dominion over the tongue- either his own, or a neighbors- a man has none
3. It is unruly, untamable, and full of poison- and an illustration is given v. 9,10

C.- THE HUMAN TONGUE WITH ITS GOSSIP CAN KILL YOU, IT CAN DRIVE YOU INTO GREAT HARM -v. 3,4

1. A horse out of control, a ship lost its helm is dangerous;; and the human tongue can hurt. 8
2. The Lord said "They that live by the Sword shall die by the Sword"- it is same with Gossip
3. A measure of the soul is shown by the mouth-Matt 15:18-20, and the human heart is wicked

Some measure the stature of a man-great/talks of ideas; average/events; small/people

II. YOUR LIPS CAN BE A CHANNEL OF BLESSING Jas 3:13

If a man is wise, if he has knowledge, he can show it by GOOD conversation- speaking, things good

A.- HOW CAN WE SOLVE THE PROBLEM REGARDING OUR TONGUE, FOR YOUR OWN YOU MUST CONTROL

1. The Psalmist decided that he would just shut up- Ps 39:1-3, but he found that he could not do it
2. Like Jeremiah- 4:19 he had to speak, things swelled up like an impending flood, demanding out
3. Those who hold back find their hearts burn, the human soul demands expression-

B.- THE SOLUTION IS IN LETTING GOD USE YOUR TONGUE, TURN IT INTO A CHANNEL OF BLESSING

1. An idle tongue turns to evil, do not allow yourself idleness that Satan can capture!
2. The only way to refrain from destruction is to build; leave the criticizing to the critics-v.1
3. If you can't say something good- just praise God; quit being negative-cutting people down!

C.- GIVE YOUR HEART AND LIPS TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND LET HIM CONTROL AND USE YOU!

1. If you are busy confessing Christ as your Lord and Savior, you won't have time to swear!
2. If you are busy trying to win people to Christ,-you won't be cutting them down, be a booster!
3. If you love Christ your lips will tell it; if you love others your lips will show-

Some are responsible to criticize, and to teach- Make sure it is in the Spirit? Today doubly sure.

III. HOW CAN A MAN MAKE HIS LIPS WORK RIGHT?

Know that you are responsible for your words- Matt 12:33-375 You will be Judged! So judge self

A.- THERE IS GREAT POWER IN WORDS, SEE THAT YOU WANT TO USE THEM FOR GOOD, AND YOU CAN.

1. Prov 18:21 tells us that the power of life and death is in words- use it to bring life
2. A Word fitly spoken is like great art- Prov 25:11,-study your own words, use them right!
3. The Words of the Wise are-as Goads- Prov 12:11, can be used to inspire others,-great things.

B.- "THEY THAT LOVED THE LORD SPAKE OFTEN ONE TO ANOTHER" Mal 3:16, take care of your love!

1. Most people have nothing exciting to talk about that is good! Do you? If not seek the Lord.
2. The Gospel means to Gossip the Good news, so why not do it- Illus. John Bunyan- Tinker!
3. If you have trouble- pray and ask God to help-Psalms 145:3 "Set a watch before my lips"-

C.- THERE ARE GREAT HELPS AVAILABLE TODAY, BUT YOU MUST BE WILLING TO USE THEM AS GOD LEADS

1. A ship takes a great beam to hold small helm, horse takes strong bridle-spade, Car-power steering & a governor -
2. James 3:10b appeals to our conscience - Clean your life & you won't have to pull others down!
3. As an athlete trains his body- you train your heart, & lips- & God will use you, if not-trouble

You might start with the Watchword- Ps 19:14- let words/meditations-be acceptable in thy sight

WHETHER YOUR MOUTH IS A FOUNTAIN OF LIFE GIVING WATER, OR A CESSPOOL OF POISON IS UP TO YOU!

1. With your lips- make sure of your salvation-
2. Dedicate your lips to Christ- a part of your Bodies being presented to Him.-
3. Be willing to pay the price that your lips should count for Him-