James 3:7-12

No One Can Tame the Tongue

Mankind has been able to subdue all the animals, but not his tongue. Woods notes that the verb indicates momentary action in regard to taming. One may control his tongue for years, yet let it loose for just a moment and reap havoc. "Unruly evil" is like a restless caged animal always stalking about seeking a means of escape. It is like a poisonous snake full of venom and ready to strike a death delivering blow (James 3:7-8; Psalms 140:1-3).

Man uses the tongue to praise and speak highly of God (Ephesians 5:19; Hebrews 13:15; Romans 10:9-10). Yet, the same tongue is used to "regularly pronounce curses upon other men" (Woods). It is actually a prayer to God to cause evil to fall down upon a man. We need to remember that one who truly loves God must show it through his true display of love for his fellow man (1 John 4:20-21; Matthew 25:31-46). For, man is made in the image of God (James 3:9; Genesis 1:26).

James 3:10-12 comments on and illustrates the ridiculous nature of the action described in verse 9. Woods says the force of the verb makes it mean, "These things ought not to begin to be." Obviously, calling down the curse of God upon men will not cause God to act. It is as contradictory to use the same tongue to bless God and curse men as it is for a fountain to give forth sweet and bitter water. It is as absurd as a fig tree bearing olive berries, a vine producing figs, or a fountain producing fresh and salt water.

Actually, the problem with the mouth stems from the heart. Solomon said, "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 15:18). If we can get our heart right with God, our mouth will not be used to curse man.