Drink Devotional Method: Blessing or Burning – The Choice of Our Words (James 3)

---

D – Devotional Reading

James 3 (KJV)

1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

---

R – Reflection

This chapter pierces my heart with its truth: the tongue, though small, holds incredible power of the tongue to guide or to destroy. I can relate to how easily a few words can build someone up—or tear them down. God reveals that my tongue can be like fire, either warming and blessing others or burning and wounding them. The choice of our words carries eternal weight. When I use it to praise God but then speak harshly about others, I realize there’s a contradiction in my walk. This inconsistency grieves the Spirit.

But James 3 also brings hope. Godly wisdom is accessible—wisdom that brings purity, peace, mercy, and good fruit. I don’t have to rely on my own strength to guard my tongue. I need to draw from the wisdom that is from above, letting Christ’s meekness and peace govern my words. In doing so, I can sow righteousness and be an instrument of peace instead of chaos.

---

I – Instruction

James teaches me that the choice of our words has great impact. The tongue, though untamable by man, must be surrendered to God. The Lord calls me to examine whether blessing and cursing come from the same mouth—and commands that it should not be so. I’m instructed to seek wisdom from above that reflects purity, gentleness, and peace, rather than acting out of envy or strife. The measure of true wisdom is not clever speech, but a life marked by peace and humility.

---

N – Now Live It

Today, I will choose to pause before I speak. When I'm tempted to respond in frustration, I will ask the Lord for wisdom that is pure and peaceable. I will challenge myself to speak words that edify and reflect the character of Christ. The choice of our words matters in every conversation—whether with my family, coworkers, or church brethren. I will be intentional in blessing—not burning—with my words. I will ask someone close to me to keep me accountable, reminding me when my speech turns bitter instead of sweet.

---

K – Kneel in Prayer

Gracious Father, I surrender my tongue to You. Forgive me for the times I’ve used my words to wound rather than to heal, to curse rather than to bless. I acknowledge that I cannot tame my tongue by my own effort. I need the wisdom that comes from above—pure, peaceable, and full of mercy. Teach me to speak with humility and to be slow to anger. Let the choice of our words reflect Your love and truth. Let my words today bring life, truth, and peace. Guard my lips, Lord, that I may glorify You in all I say. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

---

You may also read our James 2 Devotional.

---

🌿 About the DRINK Devotional Method

The DRINK Devotional Method is a structured personal devotional approach designed to help believers engage with Scripture to intentionally walk and grow daily with Christ.

• D – Devotional Reading: Read the selected Bible passage slowly and reverently (preferably at least 1 chapter).

• R – Reflection: Meditate on the truths revealed and how they apply to our walk with God.

• I – Instruction: Identify key lessons, commands, or promises to follow or hold onto.

• N – Now Live It: Commit to a specific action or change based on what God has shown to you to day.

• K – Kneel in Prayer: Close with a sincere prayer, asking the Lord Jesus Christ for grace to live out His Word.

Whether you're just starting a daily devotional habit or seeking a more meaningful Christian devotional routine, DRINK offers a simple yet powerful guide to draw closer to God and let His Word shape your life.

You may also read my Daily Devotions here.

---

#PowerOfWords #TamingTheTongue #James3Devotion #WisdomFromAbove #DrinkDevotionalMethod