James 3:1-18

Key Verse 13

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”

1. Look at v.1-2. Why does James encourage fellow believers to not become teachers? Does verse 1 apply to the role of teaching the Bible 1:1? What result occurs when anyone is “never at fault in what they say”?

2. Look at v.3-6. What two examples of control does James mention? Why does James say, “The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.”? How many times did James mention “fire” while describing the tongue? What does this fiery nature tell us about it?

3. Looking at v.7-12 What does it mean, “no human being can tame the tongue”? What problem does the contradiction of saltwater and freshwater reveal? What clue does this give us about the way to control the tongue? What is the fitting response to how James describes the tongue?

4. Look at verses 13-18. Why did James ask, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” How did his question set up his challenge in v.13? How did the “wise and understanding” get wisdom and understanding? How is “earthly, unspiritual, demonic” wisdom made apparent? Describe the main differences between the two types of wisdom. What are the qualities of the wisdom that comes down from heaven? How can this help us understand how to tame the tongue?

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