James 3:1 (KJV)
1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation

Know what you are teaching and research it completely. Remember our lives are the greatest teacher of all. As teachers we sometimes judge our students and this is where we can get into a lot of trouble. As we judge we will be judged. Matthew 7:1,2

James 3:2 (KJV)
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

You know if you are following God you will not make everyone around you happy. Then sometimes we say things that are wrong and this offends everyone. Those of the faith and others alike. If you can learn to control your tongue, (what you say) in anger and peace then you can control your whole body. Romans 3:10

James 3:3-5 (KJV)
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
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.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

Verses 3 and 4 illustrate how small members can control things. Well the tongue is no different. If we can learn to control what comes out of the mouth then we are controlling what we are thinking and so on. So if we associate with Christian people, study the Holy Bible, and attend church regularly we will learn to control our tongue. We are a lot like computers in that what you put in is what you get out.

We can do so much harm with such a few words that I can not say it strong enough be careful what you say. A small fire can grow into raging fire in short time. The same can happen with the words we say. Proverbs 12:18,15:2

James 3:6 (KJV)
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

With the tongue Hitler seduced a nation, with the tongue all kinds of rumors are started that can destroy others. These rumors grow fast with other tongues and destroy more. Do not add to them. Do not repeat rumors.

James 3:7-8 (KJV)
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

The biggest reason I can think of for controlling your tongue is what you can do in a moment of anger, destroy one that is young in the faith. Or turn people away from God before they make a commitment. How many times have we heard people say. If that is what a Christian is I don’t need it. Psalms 141:3

James 3:9-12 (KJV)
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

This is about as plain as it gets. James here is straight forward about our use of the tongue. We must learn to control our anger. This will be a great tool in controlling the tongue. Acts 2:26

James 3:13 (KJV)
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

The truly wise are pure and peaceable, without jealousy or selfish ambition. These are not my words but express what the verse says very well. The wise live their lives trying to please GOD and not men. Thus follow these scriptures as well as the rest of God’s Holy Word.

A wise man endued with knowledge from above will show his works with a controlled tongue, his works with meekness of wisdom. Not bragging and boasting. Galatians 5:23, 6:1

James 3:14-16 (KJV)
14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

People have this need to be in control and think that I want to be the teacher, or deacon. When if we look into the Bible and search the scriptures we find that these positions require servant hood, in other words they are to serve the people in the church. Too many times this has been the down fall of good churches. Keep your eyes, thoughts, and heart on the Lord and doing his will.

But if you are bitter (jealous, Envy) in your heart. Control yourself and do not lie to bring down others or to build yourself up. Pray for God’s help and guidance in your life. 1Corinthians 3:3

James 3:17 (KJV)
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Please study this verse and understand each part of it. It explains the wisdom from above and how to tell them from all others. I have underlined each of the things that it is. 1Corinthians 12:8

James 3:18 (KJV)
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

We tell others of the Lord and his amazing grace in meekness not forcing them to believe, but as an offer of caring love for their soul. Philippians 1:11, Matthew 5:9