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The passage in question must be properly identified for genre before it can be interpreted.
The OP has identified it as a literal statement, and as such, questions it's veracity.
In close reading, here are some observations:
v1: written to teachers. Q: Do teachers sometimes speak in riddles to other teachers so as not to lose their advantage; something like spelling out C-A-N-D-Y in front of the kids.
v1: Who will condemn the teacher? Certainly NOT Christ since in him there is no condemnation. Apparently he is speaking of condemnation by the students.
v1: Appears to conclude with v13.. therefore display your works of faith with a good conversation.
v2: How do the teachers offend all? Is all all? If so, then they do so by preaching the gospel which is an offense to all.
v2: 'Offend' in Greek means fall or cause to fall (sin). Since all sin is against God, when we take offense, we make ourselves equal to God. When we cause others to take offense, we cause them to sin. Do teachers cause all men to sin? Compare to Ro 7:11ff where teaching the law causes sin to spring up.
v2: Who is the perfect man? Yet even Jesus caused people to judge him unjustly with his teaching. This is riddle, not contradiction.
v3: The bridle controls by coersion. Leadership by bit demands obedience.
v4: The rudder controls by gentle persuation; it nudges compliance.
# This is beginning to look like a teacher talking to teachers about teaching.
v5: 'Tongue' also means 'babbler'. Could he be speaking of the misuse of tongues.
v5. How does a tongue boast? Is this anthropomorphism or euphemism for the boasting babbler who declares "I speak to God in his language and you don't"?
v5. How much trouble can a babbler cause?
v6. How is a tongue a fire? What is the simily? Or does it speak in riddle "The babbler is a spirit, a wold of sin. It defiles the whole church (as others who oppose it do so in the flesh which is enflamed by the babbler.
v7. If this is literal, is it true? Does 'every' mean 'every'? Beasts, birds and things of the sea, refer back to Gen 1. It excludes 'living creature' [alive with soul], cattle, and creaping thing. The serpent isn't mentioned. There appears to be a riddle.
v8. Is this anthropomorphic in giving the tongue a will of it's own, but implying that no man can control himself? Does it talk to the issue of the babbler, where his ego and pride drive him to seek the attention?
v9, 10 How can such arrogance give blessings?
James previously spoke of showing your faith by your works, now he speaks of showing your wisdom with the good works of gentle conversation in dealing with the babbler. Why would he speak in riddle; one teacher to another? So as not to give ammo to the babbler.
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