Read + Reflect + Respond
My Reflections
James 3:1-12
1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
READ + REFLECT + RESPOND
READ:
Read the passage slowly and carefully in your favorite version. Then do it again! Consider reading the verses aloud. Copying them by hand will also help you remember them better than just reading them.
REFLECT:
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
READ + REFLECT + RESPOND
READ:
Read the passage slowly and carefully in your favorite version. Then do it again! Consider reading the verses aloud. Copying them by hand will also help you remember them better than just reading them.
REFLECT:
- Write the passage in your own words.
- What is the main point?
- What are the key words in the text?
- What warning is given to those who want to influence others through teaching?
- What metaphors (word pictures) does James use to describe our speech habits? What does each one teach us?
- Verses 2, 8, and 9 all make universal statements about humanity. What are they, and how do they relate to one another?
- Why should we even try to control our speech if verse 8 says that no person can tame their own tongue? How does this concept apply to other sins?
- What else do you see in this passage?
- How can you specifically apply the verses in your own life? I have listed some Action Ideas below.
- What are the potential benefits and challenges of your intended actions? How do you need to prepare to carry them out? Do you need help? If so, who?
- Write a short prayer based on the verses.
Action Ideas
- Thinking back over the last week, evaluate your own communication habits, which also include body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Make apologies and seek real reconciliation to anyone whom you may have offended. If you have trouble discerning this, ask them how your communication has affected them and what you can do better. What words and phrases do you need to ban from your vocabulary?
- As you remember specific harmful things that you have communicated, especially if this is an ongoing pattern, plan for how to replace the damaging words with wholesome and encouraging ones. Think about what is most helpful for you to hear, or about someone whose communication skills you admire.
- In the past, in what circumstances have you been most likely to sin with your speech? Under what conditions have you been most likely to bless and encourage? How can you adjust your life in light of this?
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