May 31 – Tame Your Tongue
Big Idea: Proverbs 18:21 tells us the tongue has the power of life and death. James 3 helps
flesh out how to build life with our words. Don’t write a sharp tongue off to, “that’s just who I
am...” Work with the Spirit at changing and growing.
Main Scripture: James 3:1-12
Supporting Scripture: Colossians 4:6, Proverbs 18:21, Colossians 3:15-17
Takeaway: We will never be perfect, but as we grow in our spiritual life we need to be
disciplined. Disciplined so our words, thoughts, motivations and attitudes are aligned up to
Christ’- then our spoken words and deeds will show authentic character and maturity.
James 3:1-12; Controlling the Things We Say
3 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who
teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault
in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole
animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong
winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the
tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set
on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.
It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by
hell.
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by
mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have
been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers
and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same
spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither
can a salt spring produce fresh water.
1. What is the greatest slip of the tongue that you have experienced? What about from someone
else (without naming names)? How did you feel?
2. Who has control of your words, God or man? What does your tongue say about yourself to
others?
3. Do you truly know the power your words have? How are the words from your mouth being
used? How are your words guiding you? How are your words touching others?
4. How is teaching a responsibility we must take very seriously? What happens when a teacher is
leading people astray?
5. We all make mistakes. So, what is the difference between a deliberate or premeditated sin and
a mistake? How do you balance personal responsibility and the grace that God has for you?
6. Yes, gossip is fun and inviting, and it seems everyone is doing it. But, are you aware of the
consequences when you misbehave with your words?
7. How and why do our words reflect our true character?
8. How is your tongue a refection of your mind and a mirror to your soul? What would it take
for you to fully realize that our words are a tool at our heart's and mind's disposal?