The tongue can no man tame, it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:8 KJV

But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. James 3:8 NASB

History and personal experience give eloquent and sad testimony to the reality of what James penned so long ago. How many friendships have been marred by a hasty word! How many family feuds have been ignited by unwise statements? How many marriages have floundered due to unkind criticisms? How many wars have been fought over bitter recriminations! As James notes, “the tongue is afire … and is set on fire of hell” (v 6).

While James makes this broad generalization about human beings and our inability to control our tongues, if we could ask him if he ever saw even one exception to this, he would quickly assure us of one major exception to this general reality.

James had been privileged to grow up in a home with his parents, Mary and Joseph, and several brothers and sisters. Among his siblings was a half-brother, Jesus. We cannot be sure of the age difference, but since he is listed first in Mark 6:3 among the half-brothers of the Lord, we might assume he was the first child born to Joseph and Mary and most of the Lord’s 30 years at home would have been shared with James.

Brothers, in case you do not know, tend to fight. But James’ half-brother was different. He could not be goaded into an argument. He could not be made to lose His temper. He never returned jibe for jibe. He actually seemed to be in control of everything: His tongue, temper, and temperament. The intimacy of family life never saw Him speak unadvisedly.

But this amazing ability was exposed to even greater tests and trials. In the synagogue, men were amazed at the gracious words which came from His lips (Luke 4:22). When their wrath rose up against Him He merely melted into the crowd and did not denounce them.

When examined by soldiers who had been sent to take Him, they returned defeated in their quest because they had to own, “Never man spake like this Man” (John 7:46). But the pressure intensified when He was apprehended. Blasphemy and mockery filled the air. Slander and spittle were the portion meted out to Him. Yet “when He was reviled, reviled not again. When He suffered, He threatened not” (1 Pet 2:23). His tongue was under His control. No poison issued forth, no venom ever came from His lips. In contrast, humanity is marked by the “poison of asps is under their lips” (Rom 3:13). His lips are “most sweet” (S of S 5:16).

But even more intense tests await as He stands before Herod and then Pilate. Before Herod, His voice is silent. The king who had silenced John Baptist would hear no word from Heaven ever again. Pilate also interrogated the Lord Jesus and was amazed at His silence. Here was a Man Who knew when to speak and when to refrain from speaking.

Read it here. Michael J Fox Fears His Religion Isn’t Working

Ultimately, there was the cross and the taunts and mockery. Perhaps the greatest included “He saved others, Himself He cannot save.” His response to this was to save the malefactor. And then that deepest of all thrust orchestrated by Satan, “He trusted in God.” It was absolutely true. His life was marked by unceasing dependence upon His God. But now, to the eyes of men, God had forsaken Him. What was the Lord’s response to their insults? Was it self-defence or self-vindication? “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.” He trusted God in His death.

Consider

Look at Isa 50, one of the Servant Songs, and notice the Lord’s ability to speak wisely. See also what prepared Him for what He said.