Answer
The tongue is a bodily organ humans use to form words. Thus, James applies the tongue as a metaphor for speech. He informs Bible readers that “no one can tame the tongue” (James 3:8, NLT). This statement is part of James’ teaching on the challenging problem of controlling our speech (James 3:1–12).
Although a relatively small organ, the tongue is powerful, with far-reaching effects and great potential to produce both good and evil (see James 3:3–6, 9–10). Wisdom literature informs, “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences” (Proverbs 18:21, NLT). James compares the tongue to a tiny bit in a large horse’s mouth, able to make the animal go wherever the rider chooses; and to a small rudder on a huge ship, capable of steering the vessel in any direction, even in strong winds (James 3:3–5). For such a small thing, the tongue’s power and influence seem all out of proportion.
James emphasizes the destructive nature of the tongue, calling it a “flame of fire” able to “set a great forest on fire” with one tiny spark and “a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself” (James 3:6, NLT). Sadly, most of us recognize the truth in this passage when we look back at the devastation and ruin some of our ill-spoken words have caused.
James makes it clear that taming the tongue is a task beyond human capability: “People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:7–8, NLT). However, he does not suggest that believers are helpless and should give up on the prospect of controlling our speech. Despite its difficulty, taming the tongue is imperative: “If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless” (James 1:26, NLT).
No person can tame the tongue and gain mastery over his speech in his own strength or by mere willpower. But Christians are called in obedience to God to say only what is good and helpful, to exercise self-control, to get rid of unkind speech, and to speak wholesome, life-affirming words (Ephesians 4:29; 5:4; Galatians 5:22–23; Colossians 3:8; 1 Peter 2:1; Titus 3:2). Jesus said that on the day of judgment believers will have to give an account for every idle word they speak (Matthew 12:36).
Christ’s followers must yield to God and rely on the Holy Spirit’s power to overcome sin and the terrible evil that our tongues can produce. While perfect victory over sin is not possible in this life, we can make significant progress by God’s grace (Romans 6; 8:2–3; Hebrews 7:25; 1 Peter 2:24; Titus 2:14).
Left to our own devices, none of us can tame the tongue. But thanks to God and Christ’s resurrection power that lives within us, we can put to death the deeds of our sinful nature (Romans 8:10–14). We can offer ourselves as living and holy sacrifices to God and give Him control of our tongues (Romans 12:1). What we humans are incapable of doing, God can do supernaturally in us.
James wrote, “No one can tame the tongue,” because he knew believers would need to remain vigilant, depending on God and His Word in this area (see Psalm 39:1; Proverbs 21:23). Our tongues are restless; they are prone to gossip, criticize, and complain. They can spread destruction rapidly and uncontrollably, like a raging fire. Therefore, the tongue must be kept in check by the Holy Spirit. If we fail in this area, we must repent and ask for forgiveness and the Spirit’s help, guidance, and strength. The psalmist’s prayer should be our own: “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3). When the Lord has control of our tongues, then we know He has control over our hearts and whole lives (Matthew 12:34; 15:18–19).
