James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
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.
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!
Masters,meaning teachers, a word that refers to a person who functions in an official teaching or preaching capacity. This is not meant to discourage true teachers, but to warn the prospective teacher of the role’s seriousness he true Teacher of all of us is the Holy Spirit of God. He will teach us all truth. the tongue can be considered an evil part of the body. This is why it is so important to allow God to control your tongue. The words that proceed out of a man’s mouth reveal what he really is. James provided several analogies that show how the tongue, even though small, has the power to control one’s whole person and influence everything in his life. This is saying that a tongue controlled by God can cause the whole body to follow God. A ship is guided by a very small part of the whole, likewise the heart is what we really are. The mouth, speaking from that heart, reveals to the world where we stand with God. Words we speak affect those around us. If we speak evil, we will stir up strife among others. If we speak soothing words, the fire of hate and anger will be extinguished.