THE WEIGHT OF YOUR WORDS | WEEK 3

Week 3: Intent Doesn’t Remove the Dent 

Even when our words are accidental, they can still hurt someone. 

Discussion Questions 

1. Can you remember a story (funny or otherwise) when you said one thing and meant something entirely different? 

What happened? 

2. Why do we rush to explain ourselves rather than simply owning our guilt? Explaining feels urgent and appropriate in 

the moment. Why? 

3. Read James 3:5–6.

Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

• What stands out to you?

• What are some ways our words compare to a fire? 

4. Generally speaking, are you a fire container/explainer or an extinguisher? What makes you say that? Would those 

closest to you, agree? 

5. What can you do to remind yourself to opt for humility and sensitivity rather than an explanation next time you start 

a word fire? 

Ephesians 4:29 

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to 

their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.