James teaches us that the tongue is uncontrollable; no man can tame his tongue. He also teaches us that the tongue is destructive: it is a fire and can destroy lives. But it is also important to see that these are not the main lessons about the tongue.

The purpose James teaches about the tongue is understood from James 1:26.
He says that true religion is seen when one bridles his tongue. In other words, the tongue is a test to reveal who you really are — do you have true or false religion?

James will teach us about the caution, the control, the consequences, and the contradiction of the tongue. But we will also see the cure for the tongue.