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THE TONGUE OF THE RIGHTEOUS IS CHOICE SILVER

Text: Proverbs 10:11-21
17 February 2008

(I) A PECULIAR PROBLEM WITH THE HUMAN TONGUE

1. A solemn statement in the Book of James

“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” James 3:6, 8

2. Features of the evil of the tongue highlighted:-

a) It is a fire

b) It is a world of iniquity

c) It defiles the whole body

d) It ignites

e) It is set on fire by hell

f) It is untamable by man

g) It is an unruly evil

h) It is full of deadly poison

(II) THE TONGUE OF THE RIGHTEOUS

A wonderful description of how the righteous will employ their tongue

1. It is life giving

“The mouth of the righteous is a well of life…” Proverbs 10:11

2. It offers wisdom

“Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding…” Proverbs 10:13

“The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom…” Proverbs 10:31

3. Of great worth

“The tongue of the righteous is choice silver…” Proverbs 10:20

4. It blesses many

“The lips of the righteous feed many…” Proverbs 10:21

(III) THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF CONTINUOUS ABUSE OF THE TONGUE

“With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing.My brethren, these things ought not to be so.Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt and fresh water.” James 3:9-12

1. Acknowledging the untenable practice of misusing the tongue

2. A call to deal with the problem of the errant and sinful tongue

3. A call to cultivate the right use of the tongue

4. A call to cultivate personal and practical righteousness