Daily Readings (Page 342)

Is there anything that we know we ought to do but have failed to do it?  Ask for courage for us to deal with our sins of omission.

How does this relate to your plans for the future?  How do you specifically involve God in your planning? 

How do we usurp God’s sole prerogative “as Lawgiver and Judge” when we speak against our brothers and judge them?

How is James’ cure (vv7-10) applicable to you as you struggled with the seduction of the “world”?  What are some of the outward signs of this inner submission to God?

In what ways are James’ readers (including ourselves) “adulterous people” having “friendship with the world” (v4)?  How does this relate to your faithfulness to God? 

What is your usual response when your desires are being frustrated?

Which area in your life do you need heavenly wisdom?  How can you cultivate that?  How can you be a peacemaker (v18)?

List side-by-side on two columns the different sources, symptoms and results of earthly “wisdom” and heavenly wisdom (vv13-17)?  How is earthly “wisdom” hurting you?

From the next set of illustrations in vv11-12, how is it possible for us to both curse our fellow human beings and praise God?  What do these tell us about the tongue and human nature?  Is there hope for change?

What have you found helpful in controlling your tongue?  How does submission to God of our life extend to the submission of our tongue to Him as well (v11 cf. Ps 141:3)?