James 3

Bible StudyJames

May 24

Written By Jen

W E E K F O U R

It is so strange that a tiny part of our bodies, our tongues, can make such a big difference in our pursuit of holiness. If we let ourselves, we can cause serious damage with our tongues. We gossip, curse people, spread lies, use biting sarcasm--all of which can harm others and ourselves.

In chapter 3, James describes the tongue as the epitome of hypocrisy. “With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness” (James 3:9). And here’s the kicker: We are all guilty of this—every one of us (in every phase of life). James does not give us a tidy “how-to” at the end of this passage, no foolproof answer for ending this struggle which takes place in each of us. Instead, he provides one analogy after the other, illustrating the way our words can bring life and direction, or death and destruction.

In this passage, James wants us to realize that our mouths can be barriers to faithful living and that they are reflections of how active our faith really is. Jesus said, "Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34). James helps us understand just how dangerous our words can be, and he encourages us to seek God's help in taming the tongue.

We are often quick to speak into someone else's life. On the surface, there is nothing wrong with that - and there isn't if we are using God's wisdom. But when we start relying on our own "wisdom" - our amateur teaching methods - we'd better watch out so we aren't strictly judged. James explains that some who think they are wise actually have hearts full of “bitter envy and self-seeking” (3:14). Bitterness and self-seeking may accompany a form of worldly wisdom, but they conflict with true wisdom. By way of contrast, true wisdom is full of meekness. Meekness is willingness to bow to the will of God, even when it means laying aside what I want, for the good of others.

True wisdom is pure in doctrine and life. It is peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, merciful, impartial, and sincere. The question we must ask ourselves is, “Which of these two forms of wisdom am I manifesting in my life?” Are we being intentional in how we talk and think? God’s grace in Christ enables us to become wise beyond our years in the wisdom that is from above.

James 3

Not many should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we will receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is mature, able also to control the whole body. Now if we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we direct their whole bodies. And consider ships: Though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things. Consider how a small fire sets ablaze a large forest. And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among our members. It stains the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. Every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and fish is tamed and has been tamed by humankind, but no one can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness. Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way. Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening? Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers and sisters, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.

Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.

READ :

James 3

OBSERVE & INTERPRET :

What initially stands out to you about this passage? What word or phrase jumps out to you?

In your own words, describe what James says about the tongue in 3:6.

Why is it especially horrible to curse or verbally abuse another person (3:9)?

Besides swearing, what other kinds of speech could verse 9 be referring to?

In what ways do envy and selfish ambition lead to disorder and evil practices? (See Romans 1:18-32, Ephesians 4:17-19)

How are peacemaking and righteousness related?

APPLY :

What has God been saying to you through your study of this passage?

Write down one specific thing you will do this week to help keep your tongue under control, and make a plan for how to accomplish this.

What can you do to grow in heavenly wisdom? Be as specific about your plans as possible.

EXTRAS :

Use a resource like the Faithlife Study Bible app or the Logos Bible app to do some word studies or get new insight into specific words or phrases and how they fit into this passage of Paul’s letter.

Try looking up the following words for deeper understanding:

Blessing (3:10)

Cursing (3:10)

Bitter jealousy (3:14)

Selfish ambition (3:14)

Wisdom (3:17)

Peace (3:18)

Listen to the song “Lord, I Need You” by Shane & Shane this week.
How does this song relate to what you read in James 3?

STUDY TOGETHER

There is great encouragement that comes with community and accountability when we study the Bible with other believers! If you plan to study with other people, follow these few steps during your STUDY TOGETHER time:
READ - Make sure to read the passage together
DISCUSS - Use the study questions from this blog to discuss your study of James over the week. If there were parts of the passage that you didn’t understand, ask other people what they thought or understood!
CHALLENGE - Spend time talking about how this passage applies to your life right now. How can you keep each other accountable to what you are learning or what God is working out in you?
PRAY - Don’t forget to talk to God and lift each other up while you are together. Take notes and be intentional to pray for your small group throughout the week.

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R E S O U R C E S
A list of resources used throughout this online Bible Study series in James

Grounded: Wisdom for Real Life from Proverbs and James by Clayton and Sharie King, LifeWay Press, 2018.

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