The Small Tongue Causes Great Evil

This sermon based on James 3:1-12 focuses on the great but often underestimated power of the tongue and speech. The pastor emphasizes that no topic is more important than the mouth and words, because they directly affect the life of Christians and the development of the church. The sermon begins by citing 240 proverbs about speech from various cultures, showing that all nations recognize the significance of the tongue. The Bible contains 102 verses about the tongue (in the ESV) and 173 verses in older Bible translations, mostly in Psalms, Proverbs, 1 Corinthians, and James.

The main part of the sermon divides the power of the tongue into three types: controlling power, destructive power, and nurturing power. The pastor uses six images from James 3 to illustrate: a bit in a horse's mouth, the rudder of a ship, fire, a venomous creature, a spring of water, and a fig tree. The first images (the bit and rudder) represent controlling power—small things that can control much larger things. The sermon emphasizes that those who wish to be teachers must learn to bridle their tongues, because teachers will face stricter judgment.

The destructive power of the tongue is compared to burning fire and a venomous animal. The pastor recounts the great fire of 1849 in Saint Louis, where a small fire from the wheel of a steamboat spread and destroyed over 430 buildings and more than 30 ferries. Similarly, harsh speech can spread and destroy trust, affection, and entire faith communities. The sermon warns that during twenty years of ministry, the greatest damage the pastor has witnessed came from the tongue—rumors, criticism, and distorted speech that broke relationships. The toxic power of the tongue is like venom that slowly seeps into the blood of those who hear it, causing damage slowly but deeply.

Finally, the sermon emphasizes the nurturing and building power of the tongue through images of a spring and fruit-bearing tree. A sincere word of praise or comfort during hardship can bring encouragement and new life. The pastor reminds us to use speech to build up, encourage, and inspire those around us. The sermon concludes with specific practical advice: be careful when joking or teasing, do not criticize immediately after finishing group work, think carefully before asking for feedback, avoid speaking ill of others behind their backs, learn to acknowledge mistakes and ask for forgiveness, and pray for God to guard your tongue and heart. Finally, the pastor reminds of Jesus' teaching that we will be judged by the words we have spoken.