1. Read James 3:1-2. Why should we hesitate before we presume to be teachers? Consider Matthew 12:33-37 and the verse below.

† "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." (Luke 12:48b)

2. Why would the person who "is never at fault in what he says" be considered "perfect?" (3:2b)

3. Verse 2 says, "We all stumble (go wrong, or sin) in many ways." What various ways do we "stumble" in what we say? (For example, hasty and angry speech - 1:19.)

Application: Identify the specific ways that you tend to "stumble" in what you say.

4. Read James 3:3-5. How is the tongue like a horse's bit or a ship's rudder?

5. How is the tongue like a "small spark?" (For example, think of gossip and angry speech.)

6. Read James 3:6. Summarize the teaching of verse 6 in your own words. What does the tongue reveal in our lives? What is the tongue's potential? What are examples of the tongue's potential?

Application: What words have you said that caused problems? What were the consequences of the words? Why did you say them? Were your motivations good or bad?

7. Read James 3:7-8. Why is it so hard to control the tongue? If "no man can tame the tongue," how can it brought under control? What specific actions do we need to take?

Application: What specific actions do you need to take to better control your tongue?

8. Read James 3:9-12. Why is it inconsistent to praise (bless) God and then curse or verbally abuse other people? How does James depict the idea of doubleness (1:8) with respect to the tongue?

† Jesus said, "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." (Luke 6:27-28; cf. Romans 12:14)

9. How does the quality of water flowing from a spring relate to the character of the source itself? Likewise, how does the fruit of a tree help us determine what kind of tree it is? How do these analogies apply to us in the use of our tongues? (See Matthew 15:11, 18 and Luke 6:44a, 45 on the next page.)

Application: Read and consider the verses on the following page. This week, examine the things you say in light of the Scriptures. What do your words reveal about you? Controlling the tongue is very important, but effective control begins in the heart. Submit your heart to God, and commit to use your tongue for good rather than bad. Reflect on Colossians 3:15-17.

God's Word Concerning Our Words
† Jesus said, "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will condemned." (Matthew 12:36-37, NIV)

† Jesus said, "What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean' … the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' " (Matthew 15:11, 18; read 15:16-20)

† Jesus said, "Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. … The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:44a, 45, NIV)

† He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
(Proverbs 10:18-19, NIV)

† Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
(Proverbs 12:18-19, NIV)

† A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1, NIV)

† A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.
A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.
(Proverbs 16:27-28, NIV)

† A fool's lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
(Proverbs 18:6-7, NIV)

† Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.
As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. (Proverbs 26:20-21, NIV)

† A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin. (Proverbs 26:28, NIV)

† David prayed, "Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips." (Psalm 141:3, NIV)

† Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29, NIV)