Read the recommended Bible passages and the thought-provoking blurb below. Send your partner a letter or notecard answering the questions at the end of this post. Don't forget to pray and invite the Lord into your study time.

Bible passages to read and reflect on this week:

James Chapter 3 (The Key Passage is James 3:9-10)

Remember the old expression “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you”? This comes to mind when we read about the tongue in James. How many times a day do we use our words to build each other up and to edify the body of Christ? And how many times are we guilty of gossip or of putting others down, perhaps to make ourselves look better? James points out that the same tongue that praises God should not then curse mankind, whom He created in His image. This, according to James, would be like both fresh- and salt water flowing from the same spring! Take inventory today. Catch yourself as you are about to utter those negative words, and use that opportunity instead for positive ones. This will honor God, and at the close of the day you can know that you used your tongue in the way a believer should.

How often would you say you complain? Gossip? Speak negatively about someone or even of yourself?

What practical step can you take to begin "taming your tongue" and using your words to bring glory to God?

Did you have any other thoughts or questions from your study this week? Share your thoughts!