SB #5
20 October 1997


James 3:1-12

Speaking in Tongues??



1. Be sure to check on small group members – their growth from the Bible studies, and how well they are doing in practicing quiet times, prayer, Scripture reading, etc.

2. Read the passage.

3. Draw up your outline, and a possible introduction (here's my outline).

1-2. God's standard and warning for teachers
3. horse metaphor
4. ship metaphor
5. statement of problem
5b-6. fire metaphor
7-8. taming metaphor
9-10. spiritual nature of problem
11-12. water & fruit metaphors

A. textual notes
v2 perfect = mature, complete
v2-9: tongue = a metonymy, referring to words, behaviors, attitudes, and thoughts expressed by the tongue; a symbol and instrument of the world, the flesh, and the devil in v6
v6 world = the world system of godlessness (cf. I John 2:15); world of evil... = lit., 'world of evil, the tongue is set among our [bodily] members, staining all the body...'; of nature/life = all of human life; hell = 'gehenna'; corrupt = to stain, spot, defile
v8 unruly = unstable, inconstant, restless
v9 bless = praise, speak well, invoke blessing on, consecrate, prosper; curse = to curse, doom, call evil down on someone
v11 salt water (NIV) = bitter water; like polluted water
v11-12: These metaphors refer to the source from which the fruit and water come, implying how the tongue is a reflection of its source...

For further study:
For Scripture verses on specific misuses of the tongue, see Proverbs 6:16-17, 10:19, 12:22, 17:9, 17:27, 18:13, 19:9, 10:19, 26:20, 26:28, 27:2, 28:23, 29:5, 29:20.

For positive uses of the tongue, see Romans 10:14-15, 12:14; *Colossians 3:15-17*.


B. interpretation
What is the main theme of this passage?
What is the immediate context preceding the passage? How does this passage relate with its preceding context? Which previous topics does this passage pertain to?
1-2. Why are teachers more accountable?
3-4. How does the tongue control the whole person's life?
3-12. What do the various metaphors in the entire passage tell us about the tongue?
5-6. What does the fire metaphor tell us about the tongue? Why is the tongue such a powerful source of evil?
8. Can the tongue be tamed by natural means? Why can't people tame their own tongues?
11-12 Consider the fruit and water metaphors here; likewise, if our tongues produce ungodly speech, what does this reflect about our hearts and minds?
9-12. How does God view this double-mindedness in our lives?

Also, refer to verses given in the previous study handout from the gospels, e.g., tree and fruit passages.


C. Discussion and application

  1. For our purposes, who would count as 'teachers'?
    Why should we be careful as teachers?
    What kinds of trappings do we fall into?
    How can we best avoid these mistakes and pitfalls?

  2. What does it mean to curse someone? To bless someone?
    What are different ways in which we speak evil of others? Why are they wrong?
    What are other sins of the tongue, and which ones do you have problems with? (e.g., boasting, complaining, lying, temper, bad language, etc.) Why are these wrong?

  3. What is the difference between speaking evil of someone, and giving a godly rebuke (Proverbs 15:31, 17:10, 19:25, 27:5), or opposing evil?
    What is the difference between gossip and properly talking about another person?

  4. How does Satan operate thru words? To answer, think about what his names Lucifer and Satan mean:

  5. Read Matthew 5:21-22, 16:19, 18:18.
    These verses have various applications, but what do they mean for us on this issue – how do they apply here?
    Do you think that our words (or thoughts) can have spiritual power? In what ways? (e.g., that scars can remain long after...)

  6. Why is controlling the tongue necessary for holy living?
    How can you use your words and speech in a more godly manner?
    If the tongue is untamable (v7-8), how can we control it?

  7. What is God speaking to you about here in this passage?
    What do you need to repent, forsake, and change?
    How can God heal or change your heart in these areas?

  8. What criteria should we follow for use of our tongue?
    (E.g., is it true, necessary, kind...)


D. conclusion
The tongue, i.e., our words and the thoughts that are expressed thereby, are part of the world system, they stain us, hurt others, and offend God. Whether said in person or behind someone's back, evil words can hurt others, both emotionally and spiritually, in the human realm or in the spiritual realm. Words can have the power to bless or curse people.

The tongue is not tameable by any human means. We must learn to control it, and use it to glorify God and build up each other.

God holds spiritual teachers (including Bible study leaders) to a higher standard. Not only is the content of our teaching important for how it can affect others positively or negatively, but how we live our lives outside the Bible study is just as important. How we live our daily lives also impacts our ministry, how our brothers & sisters trust us as leaders, our spiritual power and effectiveness, and such.


E. prayer

  1. Consider what sin problems each of us has with the tongue, our need for confession, repentance, renewal, and change.
  2. Consider how we may have unleashed spiritual harm on others by cursing or accusing them wrongly. Pray about confession, repentance, and binding the evil that may have been released.
  3. You or your group members may have been hurt by cursing or false accusation. Pray for healing, protection, binding of the evil influences that may have been released, and for the people who have sinned against us.
  4. Pray that we can control our tongues, and use them to glorify God and to edify others.