1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! Sins of the Tongue

2 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. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:1-8) Sins of the Tongue

3 James 3:8 speaks of the tongue as being “full of deadly poison.” Nothing can better describe the evil that may be done by the tongue. There is no serpent whose bite can do as much harm; there is no poison more deadly to man’s body than the tongue is to man's happiness. Let us notice some evils of the tongue.

4 Tale Bearing Bearing an evil report about another. God legislated against tale bearing in the Law of Moses. "You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people; nor shall you take a stand against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord." (Lev. 19:16)

5 Tale Bearing The book of Proverbs reveals enough information on the subject that we can know it is still wrong to be a talebearer. A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter. (11:13) He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips. (20:19) Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. (26:20)

6 Whispering This is the evil of detracting from others, or exciting suspicion against them by dropping hints or insinuations that they are evil. Whispering is most often done slyly and in secret. Whisperers are included among those who are worthy of death. ….being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;

7 Whispering This is the evil of detracting from others, or exciting suspicion against them by dropping hints or insinuations that they are evil. Whispering is most often done slyly and in secret. Whisperers are included among those who are worthy of death. who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:29-32)

8 Whispering This is the evil of detracting from others, or exciting suspicion against them by dropping hints or insinuations that they are evil. Whispering is most often done slyly and in secret. Whisperers are included among those who are worthy of death. Whispering can alienate long-time friends. All who hate me whisper together against me; Against me they devise my hurt. (Psalm 41:7) A violent man entices his neighbor, And leads him in a way that is not good. (Prov. 16:29)

9 Whispering This is the evil of detracting from others, or exciting suspicion against them by dropping hints or insinuations that they are evil. Whispering is most often done slyly and in secret. Whisperers are included among those who are worthy of death. Whispering can alienate long-time friends. One breath of unkindness may start a long train of sad consequences, which we have no power to stop.

10 Slander This is a false report uttered with the idea of injuring the reputation of another. Slander is both foolish and sinful. Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, And whoever spreads slander is a fool. (Prov. 10:18) And why not say, "Let us do evil that good may come"?--as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just. (Rom. 3:8)

11 Slander This is a false report uttered with the idea of injuring the reputation of another. Slander is both foolish and sinful. The Lord will not tolerate slanderers. "Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure." (Psalm 101:5)

12 Tattling defined as gossip or idle talk and usually involves a greatly exaggerated truth. This is defined as gossip or idle talk and usually involves a greatly exaggerated truth. Paul and John were both inspired to speak out against tattling or prating. And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. (1 Tim. 5:13)

13 Tattling defined as gossip or idle talk and usually involves a greatly exaggerated truth. This is defined as gossip or idle talk and usually involves a greatly exaggerated truth. Paul and John were both inspired to speak out against tattling or prating. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church. (3 John 10)

14 Tattling defined as gossip or idle talk and usually involves a greatly exaggerated truth. This is defined as gossip or idle talk and usually involves a greatly exaggerated truth. Paul and John were both inspired to speak out against tattling or prating. Solomon says a prating fool shall fall. The wise in heart will receive commands, But a prating fool will fall. (Prov. 10:8)

15 Tattling defined as gossip or idle talk and usually involves a greatly exaggerated truth. This is defined as gossip or idle talk and usually involves a greatly exaggerated truth. Paul and John were both inspired to speak out against tattling or prating. Solomon says a prating fool shall fall. Gossip can destroy friendships, break up families, and split churches.

16 Backbiting This is the act of speaking evil of one who is absent while being unwilling to accuse him to his face. Paul warned both the Romans and the Corinthians of the evil of backbiting. ….backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Rom. 1:30-32)

17 Backbiting This is the act of speaking evil of one who is absent while being unwilling to accuse him to his face. Paul warned both the Romans and the Corinthians of the evil of backbiting. For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults; lest,

18 Backbiting This is the act of speaking evil of one who is absent while being unwilling to accuse him to his face. Paul warned both the Romans and the Corinthians of the evil of backbiting. when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced. (2 Cor. 12:20-21)

19 Backbiting This is the act of speaking evil of one who is absent while being unwilling to accuse him to his face. Paul warned both the Romans and the Corinthians of the evil of backbiting. David tells us that the Lord is pleased with those who refrain from backbiting. Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;

20 Backbiting This is the act of speaking evil of one who is absent while being unwilling to accuse him to his face. Paul warned both the Romans and the Corinthians of the evil of backbiting. David tells us that the Lord is pleased with those who refrain from backbiting. In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the Lord; He who swears to his own hurt and does not change; He who does not put out his money at usury, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved. (Psalm 15:1-5)

21 Remember: The gossipy tongue is a dangerous thing, If its owner is evil at heart. He can give whom he chooses full many a sting That will woefully linger and smart. But the gossipy tongue would be balked in its plan For causing heartburning and tears, If it were not helped out by the misguided man Who possesses two gossipy ears.