James 3:8

Verse 8. But the tongue can no man tame.

This is a plain, simple statement that the observant among men will not question. It is asserted by the apostle with much confidence a, confidence founded upon inspired knowledge. The contrast presented is strong and striking. Beasts, birds and serpents may be tamed, but man's tongue never. Now, I can not think the apostle desires us to understand this to be universally so, but only generally true true as applied to men unrestrained by the doctrine of Christ. The Christian must, under apostolic instruction, strive to control his tongue, and under divine guidance he can succeed.

It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

Speaking generally of the tongue, it is unruly. Being unruly, it is evil to the owner and to all others upon whom it may exercise its power, and so poisonous that in the effects it brings about it may, and often does, result in death. Instances of this any observant man or woman can easily call to mind. David says: "They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah" (Psalms 140:3).