Jas 3:1-5 NASB  Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.  (2)  For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.  (3)  Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well.  (4)  Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires.  (5)  So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!

• What is the first caution that James offers?
• Then, what is he trying to teach us in verses 2-5?
• What is the connection to being a teacher as a cautionary responsibility and the caution in verses 2-5?
• What does verse 3 teach about the influence of what we say?
• What does verse 4 and 5 teach us about the power of our speech?
• How do these two teachings differ (verse 3 and verse 4-5)?

Jas 3:6-12 NASB  And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.  (7)  For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race.  (8)  But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.  (9)  With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God;  (10)  from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.  (11)  Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?  (12)  Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.

• Psa_64:3, Psa_140:3; Pro_15:1, Pro_16:27, Pro_26:20,Pro_26:21,  Mat_15:11-20; — What do you see in each of these references about the words and the power of what we say?  Whenever you speak, do you consider what the bible says about the power of our words?
• Verses 8 and 9 seem to contradict each other – what do these verses say about the tongue?
• Why does James compare the tongue to a fountain or a fig tree?  What point is he trying to make?
• What have you learned about the words we speak?  How will this affect you the next time you are going to speak, or teach, or preach?

Jas 3:13-18 NASB  Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.  (14)  But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.  (15)  This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.  (16)  For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.  (17)  But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.  (18)  And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

• What is the contrast that James shares between verses 13 and 14 in attitude and behavior?
• What wisdom doesn’t come down from above? (verse 15)
• What is James main point in verses 13-18 and how does that relate to the rest of Chapter 3?
• What does James’ teach about “introspection” or “self examination”?  Is this a useful exercise?  If so, why?  If not, why not?