How to read the heart

 

James 1:26

New Living Translation

26 If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.

 

1. My words determine my direction.

 

James 3:3-4

New Living Translation

3 We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. 4 And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong.

 

 

2. My words shape what I keep (or lose).

James 3:5-6

New Living Translation

⁵ In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.

But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 

⁶ And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

Proverbs 10:19

New Living Translation

19 Too much talk leads to sin.   Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

 

* Pass negatives up to God, but praise down to one another.

 

3. My words always reveal into my heart.

 

James 3:9-12

New Living Translation

9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. 10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! 11 Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? 12 Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.

 

In the Bible, the spring is the heart.  

The real problem isn't the tongue but the heart. If your heart isn't right, your words will be wrong.  You can't tame them.  We must surrender our hearts to God daily to tame our words.  

 

 

James 3:7-8

New Living Translation

7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.