James 3

Taming the tongue

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.a ²We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.b ³When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal.c

⁴Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined. ⁵In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze.d ⁶The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.e

⁷All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, ⁸but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.f ⁹With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.

¹⁰Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!g ¹¹Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? ¹²My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.h

The wisdom from above

¹³Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.i ¹⁴But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth.j ¹⁵Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.k

¹⁶For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.l ¹⁷But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.m ¹⁸Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.n