James 3: And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

The tongue can be our most powerful tool or our most dangerous weapon. The difference is in how we use it.

1. Dedicate your heart and your tongue to the Lord daily.

Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

4. Ask those around you which words you use that are offensive.

Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

Psalms 15:4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

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.

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

1. Proverbs 13: 3. He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

2. Proverbs 29: 20. Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

3. Proverbs 18: 13. He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

4. Matthew 12: 36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

5. Ephesians 4: 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

6. Proverbs 15: 23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

7. Proverbs 21: 23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

8. Proverbs 15: 1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

9. Proverbs 17: 28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

10. Proverbs 18: 8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

11. 1 Peter 3: 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

12. James 1: 26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

God warns that those who judge others will themselves be judged.

Mt 7:1-2 Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Let’s define the words (by definition of the original Greek words in the text):

Discernment - to examine; to prove or test; to ask questions; to evaluate; to weigh thoroughly; to try.

Judgment - to pass judgment or sentence; to decide; to condemn.

1. If another’s failure improves the opinion I have of myself, I am judging.
2. If another’s failure decreases my concern for my own faults, I am judging.
3. I another’s failure gives me a desire to see that they are punished, I am judging.
4. If I am eager to tell others about another’s failure, I am judging.
5. If another’s failure prompts me to review their past failures, I am judging.
6. If another’s failure causes me to feel that I cannot forgive them, I am judging.

A discerning Christian is one who detects a fault in another and is able to give clear direction for victory based on the principles of God’s Word and his own application of them. On this basis, he is able to restore an offending brother rather than reject him.

Ga 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (AV)

Ro 2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. (AV)

Reproving - Scripture associates exhorting with the action of reproving or rebuking and offending brother. Together these three provide the necessary balance to approach a brother who needs correction.

Reprove - to tell someone his fault, to admonish, to convince someone of his error; to give evidence; to convict

Rebuke - to command, to charge, to order; to admonish

Exhort - to beg, to urge; to encourage, to request, to ask, to appeal to ; to console, to comfort, to cheer up; to call to one side and urge to pursue a course of action

Reviling - the sin of reviling or railing.

Revile - to reproach, to denounce, to insult, to taunt, to chide; to speak evil of

Rail - to vilify; to speak impiously; to defame; to speak evil