Memory Verse: “Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.” (Psalm 34:13)
Scripture Reading: James 3:1-12
Introduction: Why does the tongue hold such a key position so that it is said, “If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2).We have all watched dogs at play, waiting for the stick to be thrown. Their eyes express their eagerness to be off, and beyond this there is only a whine or bark. They are dumb.
The gift of speech is a real treasure, a marvelous gift from God. Scientifically, it is very interesting. The lungs which get oxygen to the blood are used as a bellows and force air upward where it can be manipulated by the throat, tongue, etc. the process is highly complicated. Suppose we decide to sound the letter “A,” a portion of the brain decides this and like a great modern electronic computer, it flashes an order to another part of the brain which directs the muscles and tongue to form the sound of “A.” This process is a miracle to contemplate.
God has not only given us the ability to broadcast but to receive as well. The different length sound waves strike the eardrum where they are transmitted electronically to the brain where they are sorted into thoughts.
The nature and quality of speech, as compared with the deeds of the hands and feet, place the tongue on a higher plane. We may shoot an arrow at someone, we see the arrow go, and hurt or even kill. Likewise, speech sends its invisible darts through the air and they may hurt or even kill the inner man. An angry boy may dump garbage on the neighbor’s lawn, but his parents can require him to clean it up. Words on the contrary go out with the speed of sound, invisible, but with power to heal or to hurt. Within five seconds they are a mile away, forever gone—never to be retrieved. We may write a nasty letter, but we can discard it before the postman comes, not so with words.
Is it any wonder that the Father said, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6)? And again, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).
Lesson Questions:
- Why does James not encourage many to be masters or teachers? James 3:1. Teachers often fail to realize their great responsibility; their greater influence translates into greater responsibility. Matthew 12:35-37; Luke 6:45.
- What is said of a man who never offends in word, what is he also able to do? James 3:2. Note: Perfect here relates to maturity. See also, Matthew 5:48 and Colossians 1:25, 28-29.
- What comparisons are made in James 3:3-5? Psalm 32:9. Note: God does not want to bridle us as a horse, He expects His servants to respond promptly and of their own accord.
- The small helm which turns the vessel is like unto what member of the body? James 3:5. Of what does this little member boast? May it indeed accomplish a great work? Colossians 1:28-29; Proverbs 14:29; Proverbs 15:18; Proverbs 16:32; Proverbs 19:11.
- Is James speaking of the tongue of a Christian in James 3:6? What does James call the tongue among our members? What does such a tongue do for the whole body? Matthew 5:10-11, 18.
- What things does James mention that have been tamed by man? James 3:7; Genesis 1:26; Genesis 9:2; Psalm 8:6.
- What can no man tame? James 3:8; Psalm 140:1-3. Is there then no hope of taming the tongue? Isaiah 6:5-8.
- Is it not a cause for deep regret that the same tongue can bless God the Father and also curse man made in the image of God? James 3:9. In what few words does James express his disapproval of such double talk? James 3:10.
- What question does James ask pertaining to the same tongue expressing both—blessing and cursing? James 3:11-12; Proverbs 16:23-24.
- Have you ever known a spring of both fresh and salt water? Matthew 7:16-20.