Volatility of the Tongue (7-8): James has shown the detriment of the tongue (3:6). He now also points out its volatility. Even though humans have a God-given ability to tame animals,[1] when it comes to the tongue, man has no such control. If the tongue were benign, this inability would pose no threat. But as the organ that bears the title “the world of iniquity,” it is no benign tortoise, but a venomous viper (“full of deadly poison”), this is a detrimental threat. Thus, the wise perceive its eruptive and perilous tendencies and work on his own heart,[2] “for the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.”
Hypocrisy of the Tongue (9-12): James again points out another good use of the tongue[3]: praising[4] God. Then he shows the utter contradiction of praising God and cursing men who have been created in His likeness. This is total hypocrisy, and yet we shamefully do it! James illustrates this folly with three absurd pictures: a fountain of sweet water spewing out bitter water, a fig tree producing olives, and a vine producing figs. All three pictures contradict the God-given natural design. James poses these as rhetorical questions, having us admit that these are all preposterous. Then comes the clencher: so it is equally freakish for men to praise God with the same tongue that curses men. He adds one more picture: streams of fresh water cannot issue from the salty ocean. A profane mouth cannot praise God. Clean mouth is a prerequisite for worship.
[1] With an allusion to Gen 1:26-27 and 9:2, James shows that man has the ability to tame animals of all kinds. Whether the dog trainer, the equestrian or the circus animal trainer, men tame animals.
[2] James calls for wisdom (3:13, 17). Jesus explained this wisdom in Matt. 12:34 (“the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart”) and Matt. 15:18-19 (“the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart…”).
[3] The first good use was teaching (3:1), which is highly esteemed (Gal. 6:6; 1 Thess. 5:12-13; 1 Tim 5:17).
[4] The word for “bless” is eu-lo-ge-ō (εὐλογέω) which literally means “to speak a good word.” When directed to God, this is praise (Luke 1:64; 24:53). We exist to glorify God (Rom. 1:21; 15:5-6; 1 Cor. 10:31; Rev. 4:11).