2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, a very small rudder turns them wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, THESE THINGS OUGHT NOT TO BE SO. 11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.
James 3:2-12
Q & A：
- Discuss the impact an untamed tongue, small but powerful can bring by referring to how negative or unkind words can affect our souls and get stuck in our minds especially from the people who mean a lot to us. Explain what bitter/salt water refers to and what it means where fresh water and salt water should not be flowing out from the same spring. (Jam 3:2-12; Col 4:5-6)
- From the passage “A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perversive tongue crushes the spirit”, discuss how we should watch the words spoken from our lips and also the tone, volume and the body language used, knowing that the power of the tongue (our words) can bring life or destroy a person.(Gen 1:3; Gen 1:26a; Prov 18:21; Prov 15:4)
- Discuss from your experience and the effect on your life or relationship where you heard words that edified, affirmed or comforted you. Considering that the words we speak can turn things around as positive words are like honeycomb, bringing sweetness to the soul and healing to the body, discuss what you can do or adjust in choosing to speak words that can bring joy, comfort, edify and not the words that can destroy or tear down someone in your family, your loved ones, or in work environment.(Eph 4:29; Col 4:6; Prov 16:24; Prov 17:22)