Many in James’ day rushed to teach (James 3:1), longing for prominence. The scribes and Pharisees had the same problem (Matthew 23:1-12). Unfortunately, it was carried over into the church (Romans 2:17-25; 1 Timothy 1:3-7). It may have been encouraged by the somewhat informal organization of their worship services (1 Corinthians 14:26-40).
The desire to teach should not be discouraged (Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Timothy 2:2). We should discourage a seeking after personal glory and beware of failing to adequately prepare to teach (Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Timothy 4:12-16). God has stricter standards for those who teach because their words can cause others to believe a false gospel, leading them into error (Galatians 1:6-9; 2:11-13; Romans 16:17-18). Such would surely bring down a heavy judgment upon us (Matthew 18:6-7). Yet, there is a great joy for those who properly teach (Philippians 4:1; 2 Corinthians 1:14; 1 Thessalonians 2:18-20; 3 John 4).
Everyone slips into wrong actions. Thankfully, Christ’s blood continually cleanses (1 John 1:7-9). The man that controls his tongue is perfect and able to control his whole body (James 3:2).
James illustrates the power of the tongue by referencing a rider’s ability to control a horse with a bridle. We need to similarly keep our tongues under control (Psalm 39:1). James also described huge ships which are driven by fierce winds but are turned according to the pilot’s desire by a very small rudder. The tongue is small like the bridle and rudder, able to do great things, either good or bad. A great forest fire can be started by one small match (James 3:3-5).
The tongue has devastating effects like a fire (Proverbs 16:27; 26:18-28). An uncontrolled tongue is totally wicked, a world of evil in itself. It stains the whole life in its sinfulness, setting the stage for our actions. Robertson notes, "It is now known that angry words cause the glands of the body to discharge a dangerous poison that affects the stomach, the heart, the brain."
“Course of nature" is either all of one’s life, or, the sum of all human existence. Both are true. The tongue’s fire is so destructive it can only be set on fire by Hell, the place of eternal punishment for the devil and his angels (James 3:6; Matthew 25:41).
Mankind can subdue animals but not the 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; Psalm 140:1-3).
Man uses the tongue to praise God (Ephesians 5:19; Hebrews 13:15; Romans 10:9-10). Sadly, the same tongue is used to "regularly pronounce curses upon other men" (Woods), actually a prayer to God to cause evil to fall down upon a man. One who truly loves God must show it through his true display of love for his fellow man who is made in God’s image (James 3:9; 1 John 4:20-21; Matthew 25:31-46; Genesis 1:26).
Woods says the force of the verb in James 3:10-12 makes it mean, "These things ought not to begin to be." 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. Clearly, the problem with the mouth stems from the heart (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 15:18).
If we can get our heart right with God, our mouth will not be used to curse man.
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