Taming the Tongue
Reflection
Begin your study by sharing thoughts on this question.
1. Why does a compliment give someone confidence?
Bible Reading
Read James 3:1 My brethren, be not masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in
many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to brodle the
whole body. 3 Behold we put bits in the horses mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about
with a very small helm, whithersoever the govenor listeth. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth
great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity:
so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature;
and it is set on fire of hell. 7 For every kind of beasts, and of bird, and of serpents, and of things in the sea
is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind. 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly
poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the simitude
of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessings and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place a sweet water and a bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear
olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yeild salt water and fresh.
Discovery
Explore the Bible reading by discussing these questions.
2. How does a person's tongue compare to a horse's bit and a ship's rudder?
3. In what ways is the tongue like fire?
4. Explain how the tongue can be used for both good and evil.
Question 4. Look up selected proverbs on the tongue: Proverbs 6:17; 10:20; 15:4; 18:21.
5. Why is the tongue so difficult to control?
6. List the examples from nature that James uses to teach the power of words.
Inspiration
Here is an uplifting thought from the Inspirational Study Bible.
Each of us has a tongue and a voice. These instruments of speech can be used destructively or employed constructively.
I can use my tongue to slander, to gripe, to scold, to nag, and to quarrel; or I can bring it under the control
of God's Spirit and make it an instrument of blessing and praise.… Only God can control it, as we yield it to Him.
The twentieth-century version of James 3:3 says, “When we put bits into the horses' mouths to make them obey
us, we control the rest of their bodies also.” Just so, when we submit to the claims of Christ upon our lives,
our untamed natures are brought under His control. We become meek, tamed, and “fit for the Master's service.”
(From The Secret of Happiness by Billy Graham)
Response
Use these questions to share more deeply with each other.
7. What are some examples of an untamed tongue?
8. How can a person's tongue hinder his or her Christian service?
9. How can we submit our tongues to the control of God's Spirit? What is the result?
Prayer
Father, change us from the inside out. Purify our hearts so that our speech will be pleasing to you. Keep us
from using our words to manipulate and hurt others. Empower us by your Holy Spirit to use our tongues to sing your
praises and to build others up in the faith.
Journaling
Take a few moments to record your personal insights from this lesson.
What can I do to let God control the words I say?
Additional Questions
10. In what ways can our words encourage others or hurt others?
11. What can you do to use only encouraging words?
Question 11. Encourage your class to hold each other accountable in the way they speak. Other close friends
or family members can also help us improve our speech.
12. How can you speak words of blessing today?
For more Bible passages on controlling the tongue, see Psalm 34:13; Proverbs 13:3; 21:23; Titus 3:2; James 1:26;
1 Peter 3:10.
To complete the book of James during this twelve-part study, read James 3:1–12.
From Life Lessons from the Inspired Word of God—Book of James by Max Lucado. Copyright 1996 by Word Publishing.
