Controlling the Tongue

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Help me to see wonderful things from Your Word as I read the Book of James. Help to rid myself of the sinful, selfish things that weigh me down and to desire the refreshment of Your truth. Reveal your will for me as I listen to your Spirit today. In Jesus name, Amen

Read James 3.

James 3 is divided into 2 main sections:

Verse 1-12, Controlling the small but evil tongue.

Verses 13-18, Discerning between earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom.

1. When James refers to “the tongue” what is he really talking about?

2. What illustrations does James use in chapter 3 to explain the tongue?

3. How would you summarize James’ perspective on the tongue?

4. To help understand the sinfulness of the human tongue, read these other references to the tongue found in Scripture: Matthew 5:21-22, Matthew 15:18-19, James 1:19, 26

5. Digging Deeper: The Book of Psalms and Proverbs has much to say about the tongue. Use Bible Gateway and search “the tongue” to reveal other things we can learn about the tongue.

6. Reread the second section of James 3, verses 13-18, which covers the two kinds of wisdom. Make a list of the characteristics of each kind of wisdom.

Earthy wisdom:

Heavenly wisdom:

7. How should we live in light of the teaching of James 3? As a follower of Jesus, how is our tongue transformed? How can we be sure we are living according to heavenly wisdom?