By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Vince Finnegan”]

Three subjects – 1) teachers, 2) control the tongue, and 3) wisdom

James 3:1   Based on the context, the primary qualification for a teacher is to be genuine, not a hypocrite. Teachers can lead people to or away from God, to eternal life or to death. They must discipline their tongue and have wisdom.

2 Peter 1:19-2:3; 1 John 4:1; Matthew 7:15-20

Galatians 1:6-9   Teachers will incur a stricter judgment.

1 Timothy 5:17-18   All of us should teach our children, grandchildren, friends, neighbors, etc. The conversation here in James pertains to those who steer the congregation.

James 3:2-10   If a person can control his tongue, he has control over himself, just as a person has over a horse by the bit or a ship by the rudder.

Proverbs 4:24; 8:13; 10:11, 14, 20, 21, 31, 32; 11:9, 11; 12:13, 14, 18; 13:2, 3; 14:3; 15:1, 2, 4, 7, 23, 26, 28; 16:1, 13, 21, 24, 27, 28; 17:27, 28; 18:21; 21:23

Ephesians 4:29 and 21; Colossians 3:8

James 3:10-12, 8   How do we change the tongue?

Matthew 15:15-20   To change the tongue, we must change the heart, but it is impossible to change your heart. God must do it for you.

Ephesians 3:14-17; Psalm 51:10   We pray.

1 Peter 3: 15   We must also put on Christ as Lord in our hearts.

James 3:13   To speak words of life, we need God’s wisdom that He promises to give to those who ask. James 1:5   True wisdom, like faith, has corresponding godly actions.

James 3:14-16    We must be honest with ourselves regarding our motives.

James 3:17-18   God’s wisdom produces godly fruit.