Summary: Chapter three comes as a warning on the use of the tongue and particular, the use of the gift to teach. James provides a twofold warning: (1) the teacher will be under greater scrutiny from God; and (2) the primary teaching tool is the tongue which must be under the control of the Holy Spirit.

I. A Warning To Teachers - vs.1

Notice To Whom The Warning Was Designed - vs.1a ...My brethren...

Notice What The Warning Declared - vs.1b ...be not many masters...

Notice Why The Warning Was Delivered - vs.1c-e

Teaching Reveals God's Call - vs.1c ...knowing that we...

Teaching Requires Great Care - vs.1d ...shall receive...

Teaching Receives Greater Condemnation - vs.1e ...greater condemnation...

II. The Warning For The Tongue - vs.2-18

The Unavoidable Problem In Reaching Maturity - vs.2a ...For in many things we offend all...

The Undeniable Proof Of Reaching Maturity - vs.2b ...if any man offend not in word... a perfect man...

The Ultimate Product Of Reaching Maturity - vs.3-18

The Controlled Tongue - vs.3,4

The Contaminated Tongue - vs.5,12

The Consecrated Tongue - 13

Note: The Consecrated Tongue Is Marked By Godly Wisdom - vs.13

a. Godly Awareness - vs.13a ...Who is a wise man...

b. Godly Actions - vs.13b ...let him show...

c. Godly Attitude - vs.13c ...with meekness of wisdom...

4. The Conflicting Tongue Void Of Godly Wisdom - vs.14

Note: The Conflicting Tongue Masquerades As Godly Wisdom... But its not. vs.14,16

a. The Rebuke Of False Wisdom - vs.14 ...ye have bitter envying and strife...

b. The Reality Of False Wisdom - vs.15 ...descendeth not from above...

c. The Result Of False Wisdom - vs.16 ...there is confusion, and every evil work.

5. The Content Of A Godly Tongue Of Wisdom vs.17

a. It Is Pure - vs.17a ...is first pure...

b.. It Is Peaceable - vs.17b ...then peaceable...

c. It Is Patient - vs.17c ..gentle...

d. It Is Persuasive - vs.17d ...easy to entreated...

e. It Is Productive - vs.17e ...full of mercy... good fruits...

6. The Contentment Of A Godly Tongue O Wisdom - vs.18 ...it is sown in peace...

How can we know for sure that we are listening to God? The answer is actually quite simple: Just listen to what you are asking for. If you find yourself asking for the wisdom of God; you are listening to God. The ultimate key to controlling the tongue is a ear that is swift to listen to God.