More than anything, the tongue exposes the inward parts of our heart, the kingdom we serve, and sin. James asks: “Who can tame it?” But through the power of the Holy Spirit changing our nature, the tongue will follow.
Also troubling, James warns that the tongues of those with influence will be judged more strictly. The compromise of the Gospel, ticking of ears, and building of own kingdoms among men is of selfish ambition & bitter jealousy – the two symptoms of the corrupted tongue.