What does James 3:10 mean?

James continues to make the case that our tongues—the words we use which reveal our fallen hearts—are evil and uncontrollable. In the previous verse, he wrote that we human beings use our tongues both to praise God, the Creator, and to curse other people who are created in God's likeness. Now in this verse, he says what is becoming clear to us: this contrary use of words doesn't make sense. More specifically, it shouldn't be that way. Blessing and cursing shouldn't originate from the same mouth.

We must take note that James is talking to "brothers." He is speaking to fellow believers in Jesus Christ. This is not merely a problem for "other" people, or for unsaved people. People who trust God may still be learning to rely on His power to control the words they say and don't say. In fact, Jesus told his disciples to give a blessing to those who curse them (Luke 6:28). Paul echoed that command (Romans 12:14).

It's clear, though, that we will not achieve control over our words in our own power. We're going to need God's help.