For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

James 3:9-12

• So many images in this chapter: (tongue), bit, rudder, spark, taming (animals), poison, spring, fig tree… which bring to life the importance of the topic.
  • Common illustrations from the ancient world
  • Or from Jesus, like Matt 7:15-20.
• The focus: the misuse of tongue in worship
• “The good set of mind does not talk from both sides of its mouth: praises and curses, abuse and honor, calm and strife, hypocrisy and truth, poverty and wealth, but it has one disposition, uncontaminated and pure, toward all men. There is no duplicity in its perception or its hearing” (T. Benj. 6.5, 6).
• Application
  • Negative words:         
    • Slander            
    • Gossip              
    • Hypercritical of church leaders
    • Media posts….
  • Negative deeds:
    • Punitive driving                      
    • Punitive tipping            
    • Making a workmate’s job more difficult
    • Foot-dragging at work            
    • Getting back at an unpleasant boss
    • Various passive-aggressive behaviors
  • Controlling the tongue is esp. important as all members are called to ministry of instruction, at least on some level (Col 3:16; Rom 15:14; Heb 5:12-14).
• “Set a watch, O Lord, over my mouth / Keep the door of my lips” (Ps 141:3).

Next: Pseudo-Wisdom