The Strong Tongue

Aim: To control our speech by the grace of God, for the glory of Christ.

Doctrine: Man's fallen tongue is so strong that only God Himself can fully subdue it. This fact ought to frighten and humble us as we realize how reckless our words often are.

Exegesis: Three fearful truths about the strong tongue: the little tongue wields a lot of power (vv. 3-5a); the flammable tongue is capable of cosmic destruction (vv. 5b-6); the uncontrolled tongue is a lethal weapon (vv. 7-8).

Further application: How Christians miraculously conquer the strong tongue: by seeking to keep our hearts pure (in the blood of Christ), what will exit our mouths will be savory words of grace.

Key phrase: v. 5a ''Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things....''