A Convicting Diagnosis

Chuck Swindoll warns from James 3 about the power of the tongue.

Introduction

• Anatomy of the tongue: Physical description and functions
• Quotation by Washington Irving on the tongue

The Tongue in the Bible

• James 3: Importance of continuing the study of James
• James 3:1-12: A "convicting diagnosis" of the tongue

The Power and Danger of the Tongue

• Illustrations from James 3:3-12
  • Small but powerful: Bits in horses’ mouths, rudders on ships, and small sparks causing forest fires
• Four Gates of Speech: True, Necessary, Edifying, Confidential
• The tongue is small but dangerous: Bridling, ruddering, and sparking

The Tongue as a Messenger of the Heart

• The connection between the heart and the tongue: The heart's condition revealed through speech
• Quotation by Dwight L. Moody: The tongue reflects inner thoughts
• Importance of controlling speech in weariness and exhaustion

The Tongue's Impact in Society

• Profanity and its effects: Examples from the military, NFL, and general life
• The tongue as an instrument of destruction: Gossip, slander, anger
• Personal anecdotes illustrating the tongue's power in relationships and situations

Biblical and Personal Reflections

• James 3:6-12: The tongue as a fire, an untamed beast, and a deadly poison
• Hitler’s rhetoric as an example of the tongue's destructive power
• The incongruity of blessing God and cursing others with the same tongue

Practical Applications

• Importance of self-awareness in speech: Listening to the tone and content of one's words
• Personal story: Dr. Swindoll’s own failure in controlling the tongue with his wife
• The power of tone in communication and its effects on relationships

Conclusion

• Final thoughts on the tongue’s influence: The last things to be saved—tongue and foot
• Encouragement to practice control and awareness in speech
• Closing prayer for strength and grace in controlling the tongue

*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.