James 3:7

James says that it is unnatural that we should be able to domesticate all the creatures but not be able to control our own tongues.

For every kind of beast, and bird, and serpent, and that of others, is tamed and has been tamed by human nature. We read in Pliny that the most enormous asp of serpents in Egypt was tamed by the head of a household, and daily emerged from its hole, accustomed to take provisions at his table. We also read, as Marcellinus Comes writes, that a tamed tiger was sent from India to Emperor Anastasius. Therefore, it is meant to be understood that the tongue of the wicked surpasses beasts in ferocity, birds in lightness or exultation, serpents in venomousness. There are indeed those who have sharpened their tongues like a sword (Psalm LXIII), there are those who are flighty and have set their mouth against the heavens (Psalm LXXII), and whose mouth speaks vanity (Psalm CXLIII), there are those serpentine, of whom it is said: The venom of asps is under their lips (Psalm XIII).

For all nature of beasts and fowls and serpents and of the rest is tamed and has been tamed by the nature of man. But the tongue no man can tame, an unquiet evil, full of deadly poison. By it we bless God and the Father: and by it we curse men which are made after the similitude of God. "For all nature." One must understand the objections in accordance with what has been said previously. For when James had previously said and demonstrated that those things which are indeed small become great when moved correctly, and had added that in the same way the tongue should be directed by appropriate language: he now shows with the examples given that it is not impossible for it to be instructed: as if he were to say: But someone will say that although the tongue is a small member, it nonetheless accomplishes great things, both good and evil: it is neither obedient nor manageable by us in what we desire. This does not affect the response. For if wild animals are tamed by man not by their nature, indeed fierce in appearance, but far more fierce in handling, would it not be much more appropriate to handle a member that is appropriate so that it might easily obey? Therefore, also what he says: "the tongue no man can tame," should not be read affirmatively, but rather with doubt or as a question, so that it might be said in this way. If a man can tame wild beasts and make them manageable, can he not tame his own tongue? Thus, this must be read and understood. For if it were said assertively, it would not seem right to use it as an exhortation when it says: "My brothers, this should not be done." (James 3:10) For if it were impossible to adjust in such a way, he who admonishes impossibilities does not make a stable and fitting warning. Someone might say: "Nevertheless, what he says." An uncontrollable evil must be expressed assertively, for these show through amplification that the tongue is untamable. However, on the contrary, the statement, "From out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing," (James 3:10) must be read with hesitation: for it is the speech of one exhorting the listeners. For if we are commanded to bless all, since the cursed will not inherit the kingdom of God, is it not shameful to use the same member for the ministry of iniquity and good works? No wise person would use the same instrument to move mud and oil. Do you pray? Do not curse your enemy.…