Book of James

Lesson Six
James 3:1-12


Taming the Tongue

 

1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

 

("Masters" means "teachers..instructor". James tells us again in this verse that we should not run after being a teacher or instructor.  The reason is because God is going to judge those who preach and teach to a much higher standard.  If you are not absolutely certain God has called you into this type of work, don't do it.  But, if God's call is upon you, then study, learn, prepare, and walk boldly forward.)

 

2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

 

3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

 

4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

 

5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

 

6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

 

7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

 

8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

 

9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

 

10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

 

11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

 

12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

 

(James gives us a very vivid picture of how deadly the tongue is.  A word out of place, a word unspoken, or a word to many spoken can make the difference between peace and war.  Once spoken, it can never be taken back.  Only Spirit God within us can tame the tongue.)

Answer the questions below.  If you miss a question, go back and study that portion of the class and then retake the test.  Once you have received a 100% you may proceed to the next class.  You DO NOT have to submit this test for grading.  Only the final test will be submitted.