Essex Remembrancer James 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. I. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE DUE GOVERNMENT OF THE TONGUE. 1. The proper restraint of the tongue. (1) The preservation of a seasonable silence. (2) Constant care to avoid those sins of the tongue into which men are in most danger of being betrayed. Profaneness: Lying: Slander: Talebearing. 2. A proper employment of the tongue. (1) We should be ever ready to employ our tongues in contributing, as we may be able, to the interest and instruction of the social circle. (2) We muss ever be ready, as occasion may call for it, to testify our regard for Christ and determined obedience to His will. (3) We should watch for and improve every occasion of using this faculty, in suggesting such hints as our own circumstances will justify us in offering, and as the cases of others may evidently require. II. THE GREAT IMPORTANCE OF THE DUE GOVERNMENT OF THE TONGUE. This will appear when we view it — 1. As a criterion of our Christian character, and the extent of our religious attainments. 2. The powerful influence of speech over the human passions and conduct. 3. The solemn responsibility in which we are involved, in reference to the government of the tongue (Matthew 12:36, 37). III. SUGGESTIONS WHICH MAY AID IN ATTAINING A DUE GOVERNMENT OF THE TONGUE. 1. Let us seek a renewed and more spiritual state of the heart and affections. 2. Let special vigilance be exerted where special danger is probable. If brought into the society of the ungodly, let us take heed, like David, that we sin not with our tongue; that we are not betrayed by the force of example or the power of ridicule into a levity or impropriety of speech we may have cause to regret. 3. Let us earnestly implore Divine assistance and Divine restraint. 4. Let us seek habitually to conduct all the intercourse of life with a more vivid impression of our accountability to God. (Essex Remembrancer.) Parallel Verses KJV: For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. |
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