Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary James 3:8

"But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] a restless evil, [it is] full of deadly poison." — James 3:8 (ASV)

But even though humanity has retained dominion over all kinds of animals, because of the fall they have lost dominion over themselves. When James says, “No man can tame the tongue,” he is stating that no one by himself or herself can subdue the tongue. This is not to say that God cannot bring it under control, for the tongue of the regenerate person can be controlled by the indwelling Holy Spirit. In its natural state the tongue “is a restless evil,” like a ferocious beast that will not be subdued. It is “full of deadly poison,” like a serpent ready to inject venom into its victim.