James Week Three — How You Talk
Scripture Highlights:
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.”
— James 3:9 (NIV)
“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.”
— James 3:5 (NIV)
Introduction:
Words matter. More than we often realize, the things that we say has power. In James 3:1–12, we’re reminded that the tongue, though small, can make a big impact. Just like a rudder steers a massive ship, or a spark ignites an entire forest, our words shape our lives, our relationships, and even the people around us.
James warns us that our speech reveals what's happening in our hearts. You can't speak encouragement and love in one moment, then gossip and slander in the next. That’s like a spring trying to pour out both fresh and salty water. It just doesn’t work.
We’ve all experienced the sting of a careless word from a close friend or family member. If we’re honest, we've probably caused that sting too. That’s why this passage calls us to speak in a way that builds others up, reflects God’s character, and stays in step with His Spirit. How we talk is a direct reflection of who we’re becoming.
James even points out that no one can perfectly tame the tongue. However, that’s not an excuse to speak recklessly. If anything, it’s a constant reminder that we need God’s help and power in our everyday lives. The goal isn’t just filtered speech—it’s a transformed heart that overflows with grace, truth, and love.
Read the Full Text:
James 3:1–12 (NIV)
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.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
Are my words reflecting the heart of Jesus in daily conversations, online, and in private moments?
Do I speak encouragement and life to others or do I tend to tear down, gossip, or complain?
Where have I seen my words steer my relationships or my day—for better or for worse?
What heart issue might God be revealing through the way I talk?
Pray This:
Lord, I know that words have power. Forgive me for the times I’ve used my speech to harm, complain, or mislead. Transform my heart so that my words reflect Your grace. Make me quick to encourage, slow to speak in anger, and careful with every sentence. I want my tongue to build, not break—to bless, not curse. Help me speak with wisdom, love, and self-control. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
