The Tongue: Bit, Rudder and Spark | Scripture Story Sketch Notes | Printable PDF

A hand-drawn, doodle-style study of James 3, built around the words: “Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” (James 3:5).

Walk a numbered map from a bridled tongue to seeds of peace, then look closer at the bit, the rudder and the spark. Context, Greek words and modern prophets help, while the focus stays on the Savior and His gracious words.

What's Inside

• Cover with a numbered map and a contents list
• The story, plainly: four scenes, “Look to Him” notes, the hard King James words explained, and a draw-and-write page
• Look closer: nine cards on the bit, the rudder, the spark, the lion, the fountain, the fig, the olive, the seed and the heart
• Where are you? Words that hurt, wishing I hadn’t, learning to pause, or words that build, with check-ins
• Small but mighty: finish each line, then add your own
• Their world, their words: four pictures, words of Christ, and two Greek words
• Look to Him: what Apostles and prophets teach about our words, with 2 Nephi 32
• Seek Him today: a question to ask in prayer, a seven-day tracker, talk-about questions and verses to hold
• Go deeper: summaries and links for adult and deeper study
• Sources: every quotation and gloss cited with links (scripture first, then Church sources, then labeled outside sources)

Perfect For

• Personal and family Come, Follow Me study of James, youth lessons on kind words, and family home evening any year
• Family home evening
• Primary, Sunday School, youth and seminary teachers
• Adults who want a deeper, well-sourced study

The interactive version, with the map tour and the “Build up or burn down?” sorting activity, is on the The Tongue: Bit, Rudder and Spark page. This download is the printable study set.

Details

• Instant digital download. Nothing will be shipped.
• 1 PDF file, 11 pages
• US Letter, 8.5 × 11 in. For A4, choose “Fit to page” when printing.
• Prints well in color or black and white, at home or at any print shop.

Terms Of Use

Personal, family and single-classroom use. Print as many copies as you need for your own family or class. Please don't resell, share or post the files.

Illustrations were created by Weak Things using digital and AI-assisted tools, then reviewed and edited by hand. Figures are drawn without faces. The Savior is shown in a cream robe and red sash with a soft, warm light.

This is an independent study companion. It is not made, approved or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Scripture quotations are from the King James Version. Every quotation is cited, with links, on the sources page.

Questions? Use the Contact page. I'm happy to help.

How to download

After checkout, your download links appear on the order confirmation page and arrive by email. Downloading works best on a computer.