1:26 Lack of “tongue-control” results in worthless, useless, empty spirituality.

Am I anxious for God’s control of my tongue?

3:1 “Not many of you should become teachers”

How am I affected by this statement?

3:1 “we . . . will be judged by greater strictness”

Do these words have any bearing on my own personal agenda?

3:2 “we all stumble in many ways”  (as in verse one, James includes himself)

3:2 “a perfect man” (in the sense of a spiritually mature, complete, disciplined man)

Is this my desire?

3:3-12   Analogies concerning the tongue.

3:3 Bits in the mouths of horses

3:4 Rudders on ships

3:5, 6 A fire

3:7-10 A source of blessing / cursing

3:11, 12 A spring of salt / pure water 

4:11, 12  “do not speak evil . . .”  Ask yourself before criticizing:

What good does it do your brother/sister?”

What good does it do yourself?”

What glory for God is in it?”

Recognize the spiritual backgrounds of fellow believers.

5:12 “. . . do not swear . . .”  A common Jewish practice — oath-taking.

James supports the teaching of Jesus. ____________________

“. . . that you may not fall under condemnation.” ______________

Ps.141:3 “Set a guard over my _____________; 

      keep watch over the door of my _______________.”

“Pray daily that the Lord will keep us from gossip, censoriousness (harsh criticism), and unkind speech. Don’t talk unfavorably about anyone; love covers a multitude of sins 

(1 Peter 4:8).  If we have something against another person, let us go to him directly, discuss it in love, and pray together (Matt. 18:15; Luke 17:3).  Let us try to see Christ in our brethren instead of magnifying minor failures.  If we start to say something unkind or unprofitable, let us stop in the middle of the sentence and explain that to continue wouldn’t be edifying.  Somethings are better left unsaid.”  (Bible Believer’s Commentary)