(Bible passages from ESV unless otherwise noted)

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. —James 3:1-5

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. —2 Tim. 2:15

*An unmanaged mouth has power to manage you

For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. —James 3:2

…but no human being can tame the tongue. —James 3:8

Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips come to ruin. —Proverbs 13:3

Our tongues are directive.

If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. —James 3:3-5

An unmanaged mouth is destructive.

How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. —James 3:5-6

An unmanaged mouth is dangerous.> For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. —James 3:7-8

It’s not usually what we DO, but what we SAY that causes the most damage.
With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. —James 3:9-10

You won’t stumble your way into managing your mouth.

Before we speak, we all need to T.H.I.N.K.

1. Is it True?
   

2. Is it Helpful?
   

   May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, my rock and redeemer. —Psalm 19:14
   

3. Is it Inspiring?
   

4. Is it Necessary?
   Don’t let any unwholesome words come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful in building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. —Ephesians 4:29
   

5. Is it Kind?
   In whatever you do, whether word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus. —Colossians 3:17
   

Take home truth

Manage your mouth, or your mouth will manage you.

Study Guide

**Pursue God**

The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. —James 3:6 (NIV)

Explain/Explore: Apply (What did I learn about God or myself?) Respond (Pray): **Practice His Ways** Focus on the following practice in your pursuit of God:

1. Learn to recognize the big events and daily moments God uses to deepen your relationship with Him.
   

2. Observe the places in your life where God is getting your attention. What made you sad, glad, or mad today? What stood out from the passage above or Jay’s message?
   

3. Reflect on these areas. Where do you need to change the way you are thinking? What truth do you need to believe in its place?
   

4. Discuss this with your group or another close person in your life. What is God asking or leading you to do?
   

Pursue Others

Courageously choose to know and be known by sharing what God is doing in your life with your group.

1. Recall a time when you have hurt someone with your words. What was motivating you?
   

2. Explain why the potential for great damage is so great in the case of teachers?
   

3. What do our words tell us about our hearts? Why is the tongue so difficult to control?
   

4. What are two or three practical ways you can be more careful with your words?
   

Practice His Ways

Focus on the following practice in your pursuit of others:

1. Intentionally care for someone by visiting, preparing meals, writing notes, or praying for them.
2. Who in your neighborhood could use care this week?
   Think about caring for a member of our church family who is homebound or in a care facility.
3. Who in your group could use care this week?