Opening Prayer: Begin by asking God to guide your discussion and help apply His truths to your lives.

Key Takeaways:

1. Words matter - they have the power of life and death.
2. Our speech reveals the condition of our hearts.
3. Though small, the tongue has immense power to influence, like a bit in a horse's mouth or a rudder on a ship.
4. As Christians, we're called to control our speech and use it to build others up.
5. Our words are like seeds that produce fruit in our lives and others'.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why does James warn about the dangers of becoming a teacher? How does this apply to all of us as Christians who share our faith?
2. The sermon mentions the "mutter of the heart." What does this mean, and how can it impact our speech and actions?
3. How have you experienced the power of words in your own life, either positively or negatively?
4. Pastor Rino shared a personal story about driving and his reactions. How do you struggle with controlling your speech in everyday situations?
5. Discuss the analogy of words as seeds. What kind of "harvest" are you currently producing with your speech?
6. How can we be more intentional about using our words to build others up and glorify God?

Practical Applications:

1. This week, practice pausing before speaking and asking the Holy Spirit for guidance on what to say.
2. Choose one person each day and intentionally speak words of encouragement to them.
3. Keep a journal of the "seeds" you're planting with your words. At the end of the week, reflect on what kind of fruit those seeds might produce.
4. Memorize Proverbs 15:1 - "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
5. As a group, commit to holding each other accountable for speech that honors God and builds others up.

Closing Prayer: Thank God for the power of speech He's given us. Ask for His help in using our words wisely and for His glory.

Scripture for Further Study:

• Proverbs 18:21
• Matthew 12:34-37
• Ephesians 4:29
• Colossians 4:6