Page 19 - General Epistles (James through Jude) Textbook

Study Section 4: Controlling the Power of the Tongue.

4.1 Connect.

There is a ship called the Seawise Giant that is the largest
and longest ship ever built. It is 458.46 meters (1,503) long
and can displace 260,851 tonnes. That means the ship could
carry that many tons of cargo across the ocean all at one
time. Unfortunately, it was sunk during the Iran-Iraq War,
but was later salvaged and restored to service.

In comparison to the size of the ship, the rudder controlling the direction that the ship
travels is relatively very small. The rudder is located in the back of the ship and just
behind the propeller (see picture left). It may be 20 - 30 feet tall but considering that it is
steering a ship 1,500 feet long, it is VERY small in comparison.

James likens our tongue to the rudder of a ship. Just as a rudder controls the direction
that a ship travels, so our tongue determines the direction of our lives. What is in our hearts generally
comes out of our mouth, formed by the words of our tongue. And these words effect everyone around
us.

A common saying is, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but word will never hurt me.” Is this
saying true? No, not at all! Today we are going to learn that our words can bless or curse others. They
produce joy and happiness, or they produce anger and resentment. They are so very important. Let’s
see why…

4.2 Objectives.

1. The student should be able to explain the spiritual benefits found in controlling our tongues.

2. The student should be able to identify and describe the ways that can help them control their
tongues.

3. The student should be able to explain the costs for not being able to control the tongue.

4.3 Controlling the Power of the Tongue (Jas. 3:1-18).

Caution to Teachers on the Use of Tongue (Jas. 3:1-2a).
Before we get any further with the interpretation of this chapter, it is fair to discuss how this
chapter connects with James’ previous two chapters. James has discussed on how the Jewish
Christians needed to keep tight reign of their tongues (Jas. 1:26). Also, he has discussed as his
two resolves to favoritism that they needed to talk about the royal law (love your neighbor as
yourself) and the rest of the laws, and the word of God planted in them (Jas. 1:21; 2:12-13). Off course,
they needed to act what they were speaking. Based on those truths, we can infer that chapter 3
connects with the previous discussion in that it details the guidelines that needs to be put in place in
order to help the audience regulate their talk so that they can set their tongues on the right path.

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