Bible Commentaries
James 3

Introduction

Outline of Chapter Three

1. Control the Tongue 1-18

1. Negative warning 1

2. Reason 2

3. Examples of danger 3-8

4. Uncontrollable 7-8

5. Inconsistency 9-12

2. Controlling the mind 13-18

1. Humility 13

2. Graciousness 14-16

3. Peace 17-18

Sermon outline on Jam_3:1-12 (no extra charge)

1. Important tongue 1-2

2. Influential tongue 3-4

3. Inflamed tongue 5-6

4. Impossible tongue 7-8

5. Inconsistent tongue 9-12

Verse 1

Discussion Questions on Chapter Three

(The question numbers refer to the verse number.)

1. How important is it to teach the truth?

What is implied in the phrase “stricter” punishment? Will judgment be worse for those who teach falsely? Why will judgment be stricter for teachers? Does this passage suggest that we don't need teachers?

Verse 2

2. List some ways we stumble. How do we “stumble in word”? Are any of us a perfect man? What is a bridle? What does it do? What would it take to bridle the whole body?

Verse 3

3. Explain the use of a bit in a horse's mouth. How does this control the horse? Why does turning the head direct the whole body?

Verse 4

4. What does the rudder do on a large ship? What is the point of the bit and rudder examples?

Verse 5

5. What is the meaning of the word “tongue” in this chapter? The tongue (as used here) is: a) a muscle in the mouth; b) a language (English or Spanish, for example); c) the words uttered What does it take to start a large forest fire? How does this illustration compare with the tongue?

Verse 6

6. How is the tongue a fire? How is the tongue a world of iniquity? How does the tongue defile the whole body? How is the tongue set on fire by hell? What is “hell” in this passage? What does the Greek word “gehenna” mean? What is the difference in the Greek words “gehenna” and “hades” in the New Testament?

Verse 7

7. Name some animals that might be tamed. Name some animals that might be pets in your house. What animals are tamed in a circus? If we can tame tigers, why can't we tame the tongue?

Verse 8

8. Why can't we tame our tongue? What kind of training will it take to control the tongue? Discuss: Companion in Mal_2:14 . How is the tongue an unruly evil? Why does James say it is full of deadly poison?

Verse 9

9. How do we “bless” with the tongue? List some ways we use the word “bless” today. How do we “curse” with the tongue? Does this mean we use profanity or take God's name in vain? What is the contradiction mentioned in this verse? How are we made in the similitude of God?

Verse 10

10. What is the point of this verse? Is it possible to bless and curse with the same tongue? What does James say should not be?

Verse 11

11. Explain the illustration of the water from a spring.

Verse 12

12. Explain the example of a fig tree and grapevine. What is the conclusion of these examples?

Verse 13

13. Do you know any “wise” men? Is this the same as the wise men who visited the child Jesus? Discuss the wise men in Dan_2:1-49 . How would you define “wise” and “understanding”? What is meekness? Does having wisdom keep us from sinning?

Verse 14

14. What is envy? What is bitter envy? Why is self-seeking (selfish ambition in KJV) included here? What is boasting? Why is boasting wrong? Is it ever OK to boast?

Verse 15

15. What is the difference in earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom? Why is earthly wisdom called sensual? What does James mean by calling this wisdom demonic?

Verse 16

16. What is “every evil thing”? Study 1Th_5:22 . What is the confusion mentioned here? How do envy and self-seeking lead to evil things?

Verse 17

17. How would you describe wisdom that is from above? How is it pure? How is it peaceable? How is it gentle? How is it willing to yield? How is it full of mercy? How does it bear good fruit? How is it without partiality? How is it without hypocrisy? Where can you buy this kind of wisdom?

Verse 18

18. What is the fruit of righteousness? Name some kinds or types of peace. How can we have peace with God? How can we live in peace with others? How can we find internal peace? Did Jesus come to bring peace? Compare - Luk_2:8-14 and Mat_10:34 .