Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

After showing us how faith proves itself in action (2:14–26), James turns to one of the hardest “works” of all: the words we speak. 

“The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!” (3:5). 

I remember a simple illustration I learned as a kid, one that has stuck with me all my life. Words are a lot like toothpaste. Once they’re out, there’s no putting them back in. I don’t have to think long to remember words I wanted to pull back the second they left my mouth. Careless jokes. Sharp replies. Quick criticisms. Venting turned to judgment. Moments when my words burned hotter than I ever intended, but before I ever realized it, the fire had started. 

It’s humbling to realize how much power our words carry. James says they can steer life like a rudder steers a massive ship. They can bring direction, healing, and encouragement, or they can cause damage that lingers for years. In a world where words are constant and instant, this truth feels more urgent than ever. 

I’ve seen both sides. A single word of encouragement has lifted me out of discouragement and kept me moving forward. But I’ve also carried the sting of a cutting remark far longer than I’d like to admit. Words shape people. They shape relationships. They shape communities. Words make worlds. 

And James doesn’t let us shrug it off by saying, “That’s just how I am.” He says plainly: No human being can tame the tongue. Out of the same mouth can come blessing and cursing. Who hasn’t lived that tension? On Sunday morning, I can sing words of worship; by Monday, I can snap at my family or speak impatiently to a stranger. We know this shouldn’t be the case, but unfortunately, it is true far too often.  

He doesn’t leave us without hope, however. At the end of the chapter, James points us back to wisdom—the same wisdom we prayed for back in chapter one. “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (3:17). That wisdom doesn’t just steady us in trials; it also reshapes our speech. It makes our words life-giving instead of destructive. 

As we keep pulling on this faith thread throughout James’ letter, here is what we see: faith that works doesn’t just pray for wisdom (1:1–18), show mercy without favoritism (2:1–13), or prove itself in action (2:14–26). Faith that works also shows up in the words I speak. It chooses blessing instead of cursing. It seeks God’s wisdom before speaking. It lets mercy season every conversation. 

I want my words to echo Jesus, the Word made flesh. Words that bless, words that heal, words that reflect the heart of my Savior. Faith that works isn’t silent—it speaks life. 

Could you take two minutes to reflect in silence?

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises?
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you?
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

James Weekly Verse Challenge

Want to go beyond just reading God's Word? Want to take action? As we study the Book of James in the "Faith That Works" message series, we encourage you to do more than read the theme verse. Each week, we challenge you to memorize the verse and put it into action. Beginning Monday, October 6, we will text the weekly verse on a downloadable wallpaper on Monday mornings. Download the mobile wallpaper to your phone and memorize the weekly verse as you strive to live it daily. 

Text "JAMES" to 601-299-4493 to receive each week's theme verse.