James 3:1-12.  James had encouraged the churches to prove their faith by their works.  Many people were ambitious and wanted to be teachers like James.  He warned them that with such authority came much responsibility.  The tongue could do much harm.  It is a small thing, but like a rudder on a ship, it has much power.  Like a small flame, it can destroy the whole forest.  So James encourages believers to discipline their tongues.  On a corporate level, this meant having fewer teachers.  On a personal level, it means saying less and doing more.  The more the world sees the faith walk – the more it will be willing to listen to the faith talk.

LORD, discipline our tongues so that when we proclaim your gospel, people will trust it as the truth.