The Taming of the Tongue (James 3:1-12; Genesis 1:26-28)

Take control of your tongue, which is capable of great good and great evil, that you might bless the Lord and those made in his likeness.

I. Power of the Tongue (3:1-5a)

A. Warning to Teachers (3:1-2; cf. James 1:26; Matthew 12:34, 23:2-3; Proverbs 10:19)
B. Small and Powerful (3:3-5a; cf. Psalm 12:3–4, 73:8-9)

II. Peril of the Tongue (3:5b-8)

A. Tongue of Fire (3:5b-6; cf. Psalm 120:2–4; Proverbs 16:27, 18:21; Matthew 15:18)
B. Tongue Untamed (3:7-8; cf. Genesis 1:26–28; Psalm 140:3; Romans 3:13)

III. Disparity of the Tongue (3:9-12)

A. Blessing and Cursing (3:9-10)
B. Inconsistencies Illustrated (3:11-12; cf. Matthew 12:33–37)
C. The Silent Word (Luke 23:1–5; John 19:7–11)
D. The Word Visible

Discussion Starters

Monday — Discuss the relationship between words and works. What does our words reveal about us? Do you ever use harsh words with people? 
Tuesday — Discuss the roles of teachers in the church and in private settings. Why does James warn, “Not many of you should become teachers”? What’s so alluring about becoming a teacher?
Wednesday — Does James believe in sinless perfection? What is he getting at when he mentions “a perfect man”? What illustrations does James give regarding the power of the tongue? What’s the similarity between them?
Thursday — Discuss the potential dangers of the tongue. Why do you think James describes the human tongue like the tongues of serpents?
Friday — What does it say about you when you bless the Lord, but curse your brothers and sisters?