James uses the rudder of a ship to remind Christians that our tongues are powerful tools. They can guide our whole bodies either toward sin or away from it. “…Take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go” (James 3.4). For example, we can remember that and choose to not speak angry words when angry. When we do that, we’ll more easily calm down and stop being angry. Waiting until we stop feeling angry can lead to disaster. He makes uses bits in horses’ mouthes along with rudders of ships to emphasize the same point.
The thrust of this passage makes clear that we’re expected to be in control of our feelings. Not letting them push us wherever we feel like going at the moment. The captain of a ship should be in the wheelhouse of his ship when the wind is blowing and the shoreline is near. If he’s wise he’ll use instruments and charts to choose his course. Not fear or excitement over what he sees out the window.
The context of James chapter 3 suggests that Christians were speaking ill of each other, gossiping and backbiting. Let’s face it: It feels good to put someone else down. We feel like we’re better than those people when we do. In fact, James makes clear that the very opposite is true. However right we may be in describing the faults of others, the moment we try to injure others with our words, we’re the ones who are wrong. Because of that, James’ use of the rudder of the ship analogy is a call to say nothing at all… to “be not many teachers”. Not to use critical words with a quiet “loving” voice