James 3 · Grade 4
Wisdom from Above
Read and Think
James 3 begins by warning that not many should become teachers, because teachers will receive heavier judgment. We all stumble in many things, and a person who never stumbles in word would be able to control the whole body. James uses three pictures. A small bit steers a horse, a small rudder steers a large ship, and a small fire sets a forest ablaze.
The tongue is like that fire. No one can tame it alone. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse people made in the image of God. James says these things ought not to be so. A spring does not pour out fresh and bitter water from the same opening, and a fig tree cannot yield olives.
James then compares two kinds of wisdom. Bitter jealousy and selfish ambition are earthly wisdom, and they lead to confusion and every evil deed. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. Peacemakers sow in peace and reap righteousness.
Show What You Know
Why should not many become teachers?
What three pictures does James use?
Why is cursing people especially wrong?
What does selfish ambition lead to?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- A small bit steers a horse, a small rudder steers a large , and a small fire sets a forest ablaze.
- The tongue is like that .
- With it we our God and Father, and with it we curse people made in the image of God.
- A spring does not pour out and bitter water from the same opening, and a fig tree cannot yield olives.
- Peacemakers sow in and reap righteousness.
Think About It
Which of the three pictures helps you most to remember the power of words?
Which quality of wisdom from above do you most want to grow in?
Memory Verse
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”
James 3:17 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for today's Bible story. Help me to . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- How can your words help others this week?
- How does jealousy hurt a group of friends?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.