The Power of Our Words | James 3

• How we

is as important as what we say (cf., 1 Peter 3:15).

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect . . . —1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

• Your words may seem like a

thing, but they establish the

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of your life (James 3:3-4).

3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. —James 3:3-4 (NIV)

• In vv.9-12, James describes the

of our speech.

9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. —James 3:9-12 (NIV)

• You can’t

tongue, but you can

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it to the Lord.
• And the way you do this is by choosing to walk in the humility and

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that comes from

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.
• Our words reflect the kind of “

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” we’re walking in.

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. —James 3:13-16 (NIV)

• Our words create a

(vv. 13-18).

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. —James 3:17-18 (NIV)

• The wisdom from heaven is:
o Pure
o Peace-loving
o Considerate
o Submissive
o Full of mercy & good fruit
o Impartial
o Sincere