The Tongue: A Clear Window Into the Whole Person

In this passage especially vs.5,6, &8 the scripture refers to the tongue almost as though it had an independent existence from the rest of the body. He personifies "the tongue" speaking of it as though it were a person. The intention is to give vivid concrete expression. When Isaiah saw the LORD high and lifted up he said ,"woe is me, I am a man of unclean lips..." He didn't mean that he merely had a problem with his lips. Hebrew thinking focuses on a member of the body to describe the whole person: "their feet are swift to shed blood"..."their eyes are full of adultery".... In other words, James is saying the tongue is a clear window into the whole person.