The Tongue
James 3:6 compares the tongue to this destructive element.
What is fire?
This New Testament verse is cited as the foundation for the principle of "words that build up."
What is Ephesians 4:29?
If anyone lacks this, he should ask God for it.
What is wisdom?
James 4:7 gives a two-part command that serves as the central theme of his teaching.
What is submitting to God and resisting the devil?
James uses this hardworking figure to illustrate patient endurance. He plants, waits, and trusts.
Who is a farmer?
These three metaphors are used in James 3 to illustrate the tongue's power - each more dangerous than the previous one.
What are a bit, a rudder, and a spark?
Phrases like "I believe in you", "You are valuable" are examples of this tpye of speech.
What are encouragement / words that build up?
In James 3:17, this is the first of the seven traits of heavenly wisdom.
What is purity?
James traces every conflict to this root cause.
What are sinful desires?
James 5:11 offers this suffering Old Testament figure as a model of perseverance.
Who is Job?
This contradiction in how believers use their tongue is exposed in James 3:9-12.
What is blessing God while cursing people?
This term describes speech that spreads rumors or speaks negatively about others.
What is gossip / slander?
The contrasts of heavenly and earthly wisdom are listed with these three descriptors.
What is unspiritual, earthly, and demonic?
The "heart of the letter" found in James 4:7-10 lists this for believers.
What are ten commands?
James chooses to focus on this aspect of Job's story. Not his suffering, but this.
What is God's compassion and mercy revealed at the end of the story?
James 3:1 warns people not to desire to serve in this role, as those who do face stricter judgment.
What is a teacher?
Words that tear down produce these harmful results.
What are emotional wounds, broken confidence, and anger?
The seven traits of heavenly wisdom collectively reflect the character of this person.
Who is Jesus?
James 4:17 expands the definition of sin to include both the sins of commission and these sins.
What are the sins of omission?
James 5:14-15 identifies this as the active ingredient in healing prayer - it's not the oil.
What is faith?
James describes the tongue as "disproportionately powerful" - this is the explanation.
What is its small size but massive, far-reaching impact?
Our words should accomplish two goals: fitting the occasion and this...
What is extend/show grace?
James 3:18 declares those who pursue peace sow this.
What is righteousness?
James uses the Greek word Atmos to describe the full span of human life.
What is a mist/vapor?
James emphasizes that Elijah was "a human being like us." to drive home this point.
What is our prayers can produce powerful results?