Tongue Trouble

Our tongues are very powerful. They can either do a great deal of good, or they can do cause tremendous damage! The influence of the tongue occupies James' thought in this next paragraph in his practical epistle. James begins his discussion of the tongue by picking on the most influential users of the tongue in the church, the teachers and preachers. James wrote we, who are privileged to lead God's church, will face "a stricter judgment." When God gives us a larger influence, He demands a more severe accountability.

James is not just interested in applying this principle to preachers and teachers alone. God will hold each of us accountable for the influence we have in the lives of others. James' lesson is organized around three points.
I. The Influence of a Controlled Tongue (v. 2-5a)
II. The Danger of an Uncontrolled Tongue (v. 5b-10)
III. The Secret of Controlling the Tongue (v. 11-12)