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James 3: 9, 10 > The tongue

The Tongue

James 3: 8 - 10 ( King James Version )

But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

verse 9 > Therewith bless we God, even the Father, and therewith curse we men, which are made afer the similitude of God.

verse 10 > Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

James 3: 7 - 10 ( New International Version )

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tames and have been tames by man,

v. 8 > but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

v. 9 > With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.

v. 10 > Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.

Text Quoted in Spirit of Prophecy

“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity; so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind; but the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” { PUR October 9, 1902, Art. B, par. 16 }

“Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile” [Psalm 34:13]. The wild beast of the forest may be tamed, “but the tongue can no man tame” [James 3:8]. Only through Christ can we gain the victory over the desire to speak hasty, unChristlike words. When in His strength we refuse to give utterance to Satan’s suggestions, the plant of bitterness in our hearts withers and dies. The Holy Spirit can make the tongue a savor of life unto life.—The Review and Herald, May 12, 1910. { VSS 19.3}

“The tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! ... The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.... The tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” ( James 3:5, 6, 8). “Lord, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in Thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor” [Psalm 15:1-3]. { 19MR 33.1 }

“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.... The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.... The tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” Only by the Lord’s help can we bring our thoughts and words into subjection to the will of Christ. { RH October 29, 1901, par. 10 }

The tongue is a little member, but the words it frames have great power. The Lord declares, “The tongue can no man tame” ( James 3:8 ). It has set nation against nation and has caused war and bloodshed. Words have kindled fires that have been hard to quench.... { HP 174.3}
Satan puts into the mind thoughts which the Christian should never utter. The scornful retort, the bitter, passionate utterance, the cruel, suspicious charge, are from him. How many words are spoken that do only harm to those who utter them and to those who hear! Hard words beat upon the heart, awaking to life its worst passions. Those who do evil with their tongues ... grieve the Holy Spirit; for they are working at cross purposes with God.... { HP 174.4}

5-12 ( James 3:8). Distinguishing Features of Speech—Speech is one of the great gifts of God to man. The tongue is a little member, but the words it frames, made vocal by the voice, have a great power. The Lord declares, “The tongue can no man tame.” It has set nation against nation, and has caused battle and bloodshed. Words have kindled fires that have been hard to quench. They have also brought joy and gladness to many souls. And when words are spoken because God says, “Speak unto them My words,” they often cause sorrow unto repentance. { 3BC 1142.3 }
The talent of speech carries with it great responsibility. It needs to be carefully guarded; for it is a mighty power for evil as well as for good. { 3BC 1142.4 } Psalm 5:5-12 quoted.] { 3BC 1142.5 }
In these verses righteousness and unrighteousness are represented. These are the distinguishing features of speech (Letter 34, 1899). { 3BC 1142.6 }

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