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December 14, 2025  

 The Epistle Of James Chapter Three  

 OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THE CHAPTER SUMMARY James begins this chapter with a caution against many becoming teachers. In view of the stricter judgment that awaits teachers, one should be sure they possess the maturity and self-control necessary to control the tongue. James then provides a series of illustrations to demonstrate the power and danger of the tongue, and how we can easily be inconsistent in our use of it (1-12). Perhaps some sought to be teachers so as to appear wise. Yet James writes that wisdom and understanding are to be shown by one's conduct, done in meekness. He then defines and contrasts the difference between two kinds of wisdom. There is wisdom which is earthly that causes confusion and every evil thing. On the other hand, there is wisdom which is heavenly that produces the peaceable fruit of righteousness (13-18). 

OUTLINE 

I. TRUE RELIGION CONTROLS THE TONGUE (1-12) 

   A. A CAUTION AGAINST BECOMING TEACHERS (1-2) 

      1. Teachers shall receive a stricter judgment 

     2. Maturity and self-control are required not to stumble in word 

   B. THE POWER OF THE TONGUE (3-4) 

      1. Like a bit which controls the horse 

     2. Like a small rudder which directs the ship 

   C. THE DANGER OF THE TONGUE (5-6) 

     1. A little member which boasts great things 

    2. Like a little fire which kindles a great forest fire 

    3. Indeed, the tongue can be a fire, a world of iniquity

      a. Capable of defiling the whole body

      b. Capable of setting on fire the course of nature, 

                          being set on fire by hell 

    D. THE DIFFICULTY OF TAMING THE TONGUE (7-12) 

      1. Man can control creatures of land and sea, but not the tongue 

     2. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison ) To appreciate the power and danger of the tongue To understand the difference between heavenly wisdom, and that which is earthly, sensual, and demonic 

     3. With it we bless God, and then curse man made in His image 

       a. Thus blessing and cursing proceed from the same mouth

       b. Something which should not be so 

II. TRUE RELIGION DISPLAYS HEAVENLY WISDOM (13-18) 

    A. THE TRUE DISPLAY OF WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING (13) 

      1. To be seen in one's conduct 

     2. With works done in meekness 

    B. THE DISPLAY OF EARTHLY WISDOM (14-16) 

      1. Full of bitter envy, self-seeking, boasting and lying 

     2. A wisdom not from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic 

     3. Producing confusion and every evil thing 

   C. THE DISPLAY OF HEAVENLY WISDOM (17-18)  

      1. Wisdom from above is first pure, then it is... 

       a. Peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits 

       b. Without partiality and without hypocrisy 

     2. The fruit of righteousness is produced by peacemakers who sow 

               in peace