Sins We Tolerate: Sins of the Tongue

In the final part of the Sins We Tolerate series, Mark and Emily tackle a sin so common we barely notice it: the sins of the tongue. They unpack why our words are never neutral, always spilling out of what's really in our hearts, walk through a practical four-question test for evaluating what we say, and point to the only real hope for taming something James says is more untamable than a wild animal.

Episode Highlights

01:18 — Introducing today's topic: sins of the tongue

02:00 — Defining sins of the tongue: the wide range of speech Proverbs addresses

03:26 — From criticism and gossip to slander: sins of the tongue rooted in pride

03:42 — James 3: the tongue as a "world of unrighteousness," harder to tame than any wild animal

04:24 — Life and death are in the power of the tongue: how words make and break relationships

06:49 — Remembering the gospel: our words are the overflow of the heart (Luke 6:45)

08:03 — The "full cup" analogy: whatever is inside spills out when we're jostled

10:49 — The hope of the gospel: becoming people whose words reflect Christ, even under pressure

13:34 — The "Can I Say That?" test: is it true, is it helpful, is it humble, is it wise?

17:31 — Real-life application: parenting teenagers and building up a spouse's dreams

21:28 — Fleeing sins of the tongue: fear of the Lord and giving an account for every careless word

24:38 — Practices to feed the spirit: praising, praying, and singing out loud

26:11 — Mark's lifetime goal to speak fewer words every year

27:07 — Closing thoughts: four respectable sins, one gospel invitation to change

Resources

• Cornerstone Sermons: Listen Online
• Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges

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