JAMES 3: “Just shut up”
verses 1-2: we must be careful what we teach / don’t allow emotions to control / descriptive, not prescriptive
verses 3-5a:
verses 5b-6:
verses 7-12: pick a lane! James is highlighting the hypocrisy of allowing our mouth to spew poison. We can’t do it without God’s help!
Read James 3:1-12
Why is a more strict judgement placed upon teachers? How does this warning relate to taming the tongue?
What do the three illustrations here (horses’ bit, ship’s rudder, fire’s spark) each reveal about the tongue’s power?
Judging from the next set of illustrations (v11-12), how is it possible for human beings to both curse others and praise God? What does this say about the tongue? About human nature? About hope for change?
When do you feel like your tongue is “set on fire by hell”? What have you found helpful in controlling your tongue? In changing the source of its spring (v11)?
verses 13-16: what do you want wisdom for? for selfish reasons or for good?
verses 17-18:
Read James 3:13-18
How do these two kinds of wisdom differ as to their source? Their symptoms? Their results?
Where do you need heaven’s wisdom? How is “earthly wisdom” hurting you? What cultivates heavenly wisdom?
JAMES 4:
Read James 4:1-12
James prescribes 10 “antidotes” in verses 7-10. How are they effective?
What are some outward signs of this inner submission to God?
What is your usual response when your desires are frustrated?
How is the “world” trying to get you to be its friend now? How is that related to your faithfulness to God?
How is James’ cure applicable to you as you struggle with the world’s seduction?
Read James 4:13-17
Regarding “tomorrows” what’s wrong with the type of planning here? With “boasting”? With “profit-making”?
How does this relate to your plans for the future?
What does James imply about our use of wealth and power?