God speaks the world into existence and then makes man in His image who speak like He does, taking dominion and enjoying creation. But after the fall, man speaks destructive and deadly words. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,” Solomon says, “and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Prov. 18:21). James warns teachers and the whole church about the power of the tongue to bless God and His people, or to burn everything down.