James 3

1. My brethren, do not many of you become teachers, knowing that we will receive more severe judgment;

2. Because we frequently offend, every one of us. If anyone does not offend in what he says, this one is a perfect man and is able also to hold in check the whole body.

3. Remember, we put bits into horses’ mouths in order that they may obey us, and we direct their entire bodies.

4. Consider also that ships, being so large, and being driven by strong winds, are turned about by a very small rudder, wherever the will of the one who is steering may decide.

5. In the same way also, the tongue is a little member, but it boasts great things. See how large a forest is set ablaze by a little fire;

6. And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. So has the tongue been set among our members—the one member that defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of life, and is set on fire by Gehenna.

7. Now then, every species of animals and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.

8. But the tongue no human being is able to tame; it is an unrestrainable evil, full of death-dealing poison.

9. With it we bless God the Father, and with it we ourselves curse people who are made in the likeness of God.

10. From the same mouth comes out blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so!

11. Does a fountain pour out of the same opening sweet water and bitter water?

12. My brethren, can a fig tree produce olives, or a vine produce figs? In the same way, no fountain can produce salt water and fresh water.

13. Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him demonstrate his works through good conduct in the meekness of wisdom.

14. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not boast and lie against the Truth.

15. This wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, sensual and demonic;

16. Because where bitter envying and selfish ambition are, there is dissension and every evil thing.

17. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and without hypocrisy.

18. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.