I. The tongue is like a steed (James 3:3): (1) When it speaks too much; (2) when it is boasting; (3) when it is angry.
II. The tongue is like a sword (Psalms 57:4): (1) Against the weak and helpless; (2) against sacred things and holy persons.
III. The tongue is like a serpent (Psalms 140:3): (1) when it slanders; (2) when it flatters.
IV. The tongue is like fire (James 3:6). It is like fire when it speaks profane or foul words in the hearing of others; because those who hear them speak them again, and so the evil spreads and spreads.
J. Stalker, The New Song,p. 24.
References: Proverbs 18:22. W. Arnot, Laws from Heaven,2nd series, p. 131; W. M. Taylor, Old Testament Outlines,p. 160.