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Teachers of the Word of God are not exempt from failure and the ability to sin. James
includes himself in the group who stumble, as all men do (1 Kings 8:46, Proverbs 20:9,
Ecclesiastes 7:20, Romans 3:9, 23, 1 John 1:8). Teachers of the Word face greater
condemnation than others because of their visibility before the world. They are seen in the
pulpit advocating the life of righteousness and the world expects them to live it. They all
make mistakes from time to time, just as do the members of the congregation.
The greatest test of self‐control for a minister (or anyone) is the test of the tongue. If a
person cannot control their tongue and not offend with their words, they have arrived at
maturity. Attached to our will is our tongue. The true mark of maturity is the ability to
handle both our emotions and our words. If a person can “bridle” the tongue, he can control
any area of life. This mark of maturity is illustrated in Luke 11:53‐54 and 1 Peter 2:21‐23.
The tongue of the teacher is under much more scrutiny than the tongue of others. James is
telling these people not to run after the office of the teacher before examining its
responsibilities.

2. The Need for Control over the Tongue (3‐6)

James instructs and exhorts his congregation about the power in the tongue. He explains
that as a bit can turn a horse and a rudder a ship, so the tongue has the ability to turn the
course of the circumstances of life.

A. The Tongue: A Small Member with Great Power

Jas 3:3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn
about their whole body.

Behold, we put bits in the horse’s mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about
(metagomen: to change the direction of) their whole body.

The purpose of the bit in the mouth is to turn the whole body of the horse. The analogy of
the bit is to the tongue, one small thing that can control our whole body and course of life.
We want our body and circumstances to obey us. This can only be done with a soul full of
the Word of God and a tongue under the control of the inner man. This type of life controls
the nature of the flesh; circumstances will obey and give glory to the Lord. The flesh is
already set on a course toward sin and lust. The world is already set on a course (Ephesians
2:2) toward hell.

In either case, we do not have to follow the course set by Satan, but rather we can change
our direction toward God. This is accomplished by the Word of God and our tongue.

Jas 3:4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce
winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor
listeth.

Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet
are they turned about with a very small helm (rudder), whithersoever (whatever the
impulse of) the governor (captain) listeth (desires).