Theophylact of Ohrid

This reason should be related to what was said above. The apostle said, and by the example of bits and a rudder explained, that although they are small, under good management they produce great results, and added that the tongue likewise must be managed rationally. Now with the examples just presented he explains that what he commands is not impossible. He speaks as if to say: someone will say that the tongue, although a small member yet one that produces much good and evil, is difficult to subject to our will. …

Commentary on James ↗

Oecumenius

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. …

Commentary on James ↗

Bede

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. …

Commentary on the Catholic Epistles ↗