Lesson 5-The Tongue
The Tongue
(James 3:1–12)
Before you begin …
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and wisdom as you go through this lesson.
• Read James 3:1–12. This lesson references chapter 7 in Be Mature. It will be helpful for you to have your Bible and a copy of the commentary available as you work through this lesson.
Getting Started
From the Commentary
The power of speech is one of the greatest powers God has given us. With the tongue, man can praise God, pray, preach the Word, and lead the lost to Christ. What a privilege! But with that same tongue he can tell lies that could ruin a man’s reputation or break a person’s heart. The ability to speak words is the ability to influence others and accomplish tremendous tasks, and yet we take this ability for granted.
—Be Mature, page 98
1. As you read James 3:1–12, what thoughts went through your mind? This particular subject is certainly a universal one—the power of words. Take just a few minutes to think about how you’ve used words both in uplifting ways and in negative ways. Write your thoughts down here.
More to Consider: Think about the power that our words hold over children. Words can build confidence and maturity in children, or send them spiraling out of control. How have you experienced this truth in your own life, either as a child or as the one speaking words to a child? What can you do to be more conscious of this going forward?
2. Choose one verse or phrase from James 3:1–12 that stands out to you. This could be something you’re intrigued by, something that makes you uncomfortable, something that puzzles you, something that resonates with you, or just something you want to examine further. Write that here. What strikes you about these verses?
Going Deeper
From the Commentary
Apparently, everybody in the assembly wanted to teach and be a spiritual leader, for James had to warn them: “Not many of you should act as teachers, my brothers” (James 3:1 NIV). Perhaps they were impressed with the authority and prestige of the office and forgot about the tremendous responsibility and accountability! Those who teach the Word face the stricter judgment.
—Be Mature, page 98
3. Why do you think James’ warning is so stern? In what ways do we hold leaders and teachers in secular society to a higher standard? What sort of responsibilities do teachers of God’s Word have that teachers in the secular arena don’t? How is this standard determined? What response should Christians have when teachers and leaders don’t live up to this standard?
From the Commentary
The bit and rudder have the power to direct, which means they affect the lives of others. A runaway horse or a shipwreck could mean injury or death to pedestrians or passengers. The words we speak affect the lives of others.
—Be Mature, page 100
4. Circle every illustration or metaphor James uses in 3:1–12 to describe the destructive power of the tongue. Then underline all of the examples used to describe the constructive power of the tongue. What do these tell you about James’ message? What do these tell you about the specific issues he was likely dealing with that prompted these thoughts?
From the Commentary
A fire can begin with just a small spark, but it can grow to destroy a city. A fire reportedly started in the O’Leary barn in Chicago at 8:30 p.m., October 8, 1871; and because that fire spread, over 100,000 people were left homeless, 17,500 buildings were destroyed, and 300 people died. It cost the city over $400 million.
—Be Mature, page 101
5. Think about a recent example of when a spark started a literal or figurative fire. What was the origin of that spark? Was it accidental or intentional? Does the damage caused by something small respect motive? Explain.
More to Consider: The phrase “Loose lips sink ships” gained popularity during World War II because of the literal truth embedded in the words. How is this phrase also true today?
From Today’s World
In today’s celebrity-obsessed society, rumor has become big business. There are entire publications (and hundreds, if not thousands, of Web sites) dedicated solely to the proliferation of celebrity rumors. Even respected news sources have jumped on the bandwagon, reporting breakups and slipups of the rich and famous as readily as hard-news stories concerning such things as war and the economy.
6. Perhaps you know the phrase “There’s no such thing as bad publicity.” Do you agree or disagree with this? What might prompt a publicist or agent to claim this sort of idea as truth? What motives drive this kind of thinking? How does this statement line up with James’ teaching on the tongue? Does it prove true in the land of celebrities? How about in smaller circles, like the workplace? Church? Family?
From the Commentary
One of the sorrows our Lord had to bear when He was here on earth was the way His enemies talked about Him. They called Him a “man gluttonous and a winebibber” (Matt. 11:19) because He graciously accepted invitations to dine with people the Pharisees did not like. When He performed miracles, they said He was in league with Satan. Even when He was dying on the cross, His enemies could not let Him alone but threw vicious taunts into His face.
—Be Mature, page 102
7. Children often quote this statement in response to taunts and name-calling: “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” As you consider James’ teaching in 3:1–12 and Wiersbe’s statement above, do you find fault with this statement? Why or why not? How did Jesus deal with the name-calling? What does this tell us about how we ought to respond? About how we ought to measure our own words?
From the Commentary
Not only is the tongue like a fire, but it is also like a dangerous animal. It is restless and cannot be ruled (unruly), and it seeks its prey and then pounces and kills. My wife and I once drove through a safari park, admiring the animals as they moved about in their natural habitat. But there were warning signs posted all over the park: DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAR! DO NOT OPEN YOUR WINDOWS! Those “peaceful animals” were capable of doing great damage, and even killing.
Some animals are poisonous, and some tongues spread poison. The deceptive thing about poison is that it works secretly and slowly, and then kills.
—Be Mature, page 103
8. Think back on a recent example of how words can damage. This could be something from the public arena or your own life. Now think of a specific example about the “poisoning” that happens from secrets and rumors. How does the poison of harsh words or rumors spread compared with the retraction of such statements? Why are negative words so much more insidious than positive words?
From the Commentary
The tongue is also delightful because it is like a tree. In Bible lands, trees are vitally important to the economy: They help to hold down the soil; they provide beauty and shade; and they bear fruit. Our words can help to shelter and encourage a weary traveler, and can help to feed a hungry soul. “The lips of the righteous feed many” (Prov. 10:21). Jesus said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). As we share His Word with others, we feed them and encourage them along the way.
—Be Mature, page 105
9. While James speaks most directly to the destructive power of the tongue, he also alludes to the positive potential of our words by mentioning the tongue’s ability to praise. What are some recent examples you’ve seen or experienced of the positive power of the tongue? Are these easier or more difficult to recall?
More to Consider: Read Proverbs 10:11; 12:18; and 18:14, 21. How do these verses support James’ teaching? Write a few of your own proverbs about the positive power of the tongue.
From the Commentary
The tongue that blesses the Father, and then turns around and curses men made in God’s image, is in desperate need of spiritual medicine! How easy it is to sing the hymns during the worship service, then after the service, get into the family car and argue and fight all the way home!
—Be Mature, page 106
10. What examples of this two-sided nature of the tongue come to mind as you reflect on the past week at work and home? What sort of “spiritual medicine” helps tame a tongue that curses as well as blesses?
Looking Inward
Take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve explored thus far in this study of James 3:1–12. Review your notes and answers and think about how each of these things matters in your life today.
Tips for Small Groups: To get the most out of this section, form pairs or trios and have group members take turns answering these questions. Be honest and as open as you can in this discussion, but most of all, be encouraging and supportive of others. Be sensitive to those who are going through particularly difficult times and don’t press for people to speak if they’re uncomfortable doing so.
11. If you are in a position of leadership, what steps must you take to live up to the standard James refers to in 3:1? How well are you living up to that? If you are considering a leadership or teaching role, how does James’ truth impact your thoughts on this?
12. In the past week or two, have you passed along a rumor or otherwise spoken words that could spark a fire? What prompted you to say these things? Would you condone such actions in a church or other spiritual setting? What can you do to help stop the damage they might cause? If you need to ask for forgiveness from someone, make plans to do that right now.
13. Focus for a moment on the positive, constructive ways you’ve used your words in recent weeks. How do you feel when you uplift others or praise God with your words? What steps can you take to offer encouraging, healing words instead of destructive ones?
Going Forward
14. Think of one or two things that you have learned that you’d like to work on in the coming week. Remember that this is all about quality, not quantity. It’s better to work on one specific area of life and do it well than to work on many and do poorly (or to be so overwhelmed that you simply don’t try).
Do you need to work on watching your words better? Does anyone (a family member or close friend) help hold you accountable for the words that come out of your mouth? Do you want to learn how to better praise God? Perhaps you are feeling a specific prompting to live out some truth you’ve discovered in the Bible. Write these thoughts below. Be specific. Go back through James 3:1–12 and put a star next to the verse that is most convicting to you. Consider memorizing this verse so it can challenge you and move you toward positive change.
Real-Life Application Ideas: Go for a horseback ride and pay close attention to the way the bit directs the horse. Or take a boat ride and observe the power of the tiny rudder. After your ride, spend a few moments in prayer, asking God to direct you, to give you wisdom for all the words you speak.
Seeking Help
15. Write a prayer below (or simply pray one in silence), inviting God to work on your mind and heart in those areas you noted above. Be honest about your desires and fears.
Notes for Small Groups:
• Look for ways to put into practice the things you wrote in the “Going Forward” section above. Talk with other group members about your ideas and commit to being accountable to one another.
• During the coming week, ask the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal truth to you from what you’ve read and studied.
• Before you start the next lesson, read James 3:13–18. For more in-depth lesson preparation, read chapter 8, “Where to Get Wisdom,” in Be Mature.