Reflect:
- Why should Christians think seriously about whether or not they should be gospel teachers?
- How do verses 3-4 picture the power of our tongues? How do verses 5-6 explain the destructiveness of our tongues?
- Why is just being determined to tame our tongues not a solution according to James in verses 7-8?
- According to verses 9-10, what two contradictory things do we do with our tongues? What is James saying about our hearts in verses 11-12?
Respond:
- Read Psalm 12.
- How is David experiencing the kind of cursing that James talks of in verses 2-4?
- Who else does David listen to? (verse 5)
- What is different about God’s words? (verse 6)
- Who influences you more?
- Why do you think some find James’ diagnosis too difficult to accept?
Pray:
Read James 3:3-6.
- Pray that you would take your words more seriously.
- Repent of misused words.
- Ask God to limit the damage your words may have done or are doing.
