Fire Prevention (Lesson Worksheet)

A Lesson on the Tongue from James

The tongue is often the tool we use to give vent to our anger.

Read James 1:19-21.

What are we to be quick to do? (v. 19)

What are we to be slow to do? (v. 19)

Why are we to be slow to become angry? (v. 20)

What kinds of words are we to use when we do speak? (See Prov. 15:1)

How many words should we use when we are angry or any other time? (See Prov. 10:19)

“When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.” Proverbs 10:19 (NASB)

Is anger a sin? Why or why not? (See Ephesians 4:26-27)

What are some examples of righteous anger? (For a Biblical example see John 2:13-16)

What are we to get rid of in our lives? (v. 21)

What are we to humbly accept? (v. 21)

Think about a garden. In order for the plants to grow and thrive, we have to get out the rocks, we have to pull the weeds, we have to loosen the soil, and we have to water the ground. How can we use this as a picture of our Christian lives?

“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Luke 6:45

Read James 1:26.

Sandwiched between the verses on anger and this verse is the exhortation from James to not just “listen to the Word but to do what it says.” (v. 22-25)

Just as true faith requires action, true obedience requires the tongue to be kept under control.

What happens if I do not keep a tight rein on my tongue? (v. 26)

Read James 3:1-12.

Why is there a warning to teachers here in this section about the tongue? (v. 1-2)

It states that teachers will be judged more strictly. Do you think this is man’s judgment or God’s judgment?

Finish this statement from v. 2: If I was able to control my tongue, I would be…

What two examples does James use to illustrate the power of the tongue? (v. 3-4)

Though it be small, it be powerful.

What are some modern day examples of whole “forest fires” that have been started by a few words? (v. 5-6)

What can be tamed? (v. 7)

What cannot be tamed? (v. 8)

What two things should not come out of the same mouth? (v. 9-10)

When we curse man, who are we actually cursing? Why is that? (v. 9)

What is the connection between Matthew 15:11, 18-20 and James 3:6-12?

Output will be equal to the Input. 

Read James 4:11-16.

When I slander or judge one of God’s creation, I am ultimately slandering or judging

___________________, the Creator. (v. 11-12)

What type of judgment is James referring to here? (v. 11-12)

Why should I not boast about tomorrow? (v. 13-16)

How should I live each day? (v. 15)

Read James 5:12.

Why should we not swear by anything?

Who does the condemnation come from when our word is not good?

Application:

Just as words are powerful with a negative impact, 

they are just as powerful with a positive impact.

What words have encouraged you?

Brainstorm Challenge: Positive Ways I can use my Tongue this Week...