Wisdom from Heaven
James 3:1-18
Key Verse 3:17 “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.”
1. What admonishment did James give to fellow believers? (1) What should believers keep in mind? (2)
2. What do horse bits and ship rudders teach us about the tongue? (3-5a) In what sense can the tongue be compared to fire? (5b-6) What can we learn about the power of the tongue? (Proverbs 18:21)
3. How is the difficulty of taming the tongue described? (7-8a) In what ways is the tongue a restless evil? (8b-9) Why should praise and cursing not come out of the same mouth? (10-12; cf. Luke 6:45)
4. How can believers prove that they are wise and understanding? (13) What is at the root of boasting and denying the truth? (14; cf. Mark 7:20-23) What is the source and consequence of “such earthly wisdom”? (15-16)
5. Where does genuine wisdom come from and what characterizes it? (17; cf. Proverbs 2:6) Why is taming the tongue necessary for us to be peacemakers? (18; cf. Proverbs 6:16-19)