Introduction: Communication experts estimate that the average person speaks enough words to fill twenty, single-spaced, typewritten pages each day, six hundred pages each month, and three hundred and sixty thousand pages in fifty years. Faith needs to work in our conversation.

I. THE BELIEVER’S WORDS, (3:1-12)

One mark of a mature believer is their Christ-honoring conversation. James addresses the dangers of the misuse of the tongue more than any other New Testament writer. James describes the use of the tongue in three ways.

A. The Controlled Tongue, (3:1-5)

1. A mark of maturity is the ability to demonstrate mastery over the tongue, vs. 1-2.
2. By controlling our tongues we exercise control over the passions of our nature much the same way a bit is able to control the passions of a powerful horse, v.3
3. The movements of a ship are controlled and directed by a small member, the "helm" or rudder.

B. The Careless Tongue, (3:6-8)

The smallest spark can set the largest forest ablaze.
1. The careless tongue is a fire, i.e., out of control and destructive, v. 6a.
2. The careless tongue is a world of iniquity, v. 6b (describe the destructive nature of the tongue).
3. The careless tongue is wild and untamable, vs. 7-8. The hand must always be upon the bridle and the rudder to control the tongue.

C. The Contradictory Tongue, (3:9-12) How can the same tongue praise God and curse men? Does your proclamation match your profession?

II. THE BELIEVER’S WISDOM, (3:13-18)

A. The Proof of Wisdom...Character, v. 13. Your walk and your words demonstrate your wisdom.
B. The Perversion of Wisdom...Conflict, vs. 14-16. "Bitter envying" suggests a resentful attitude that refuses reconciliation and fuels conflict. This is not of the Lord. Where this spirit prevails there will be all manner of confusion, conflict, and corruption.
C. The Practice of Wisdom...Concord, vs. 17-18. Heavenly wisdom is…

1. Pure, "undefiled"
2. Peaceable, "gentle, easy to be entreated".
3. Full of mercy and good fruit...i.e., merciful, compassionate acts of kindness.
4. Without partiality and hypocrisy, i.e., impartial, without prejudice, sincere, genuine.

Conclusion: What do our words and wisdom reveal about our walk with the Lord? Genuine faith must express itself in our words and our actions toward others.