James 3:2-8

²For in many things we all offend. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man. He is able also with a bridle to lead about the whole body.b

³For if we put bits into the mouths of horses, that they may obey us, and we turn about their whole body.c

⁴Behold also ships, whereas they are great, and are driven by strong winds, yet are they turned about with a small helm, whithersoever the force of the governor willeth.

⁵Even so the tongue is indeed a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold how small a fire kindleth a great wood.d

⁶And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is placed among our members, which defileth the whole body, and inflameth the wheel of our nativity, being set on fire by hell.e

⁷For every nature of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of the rest, is tamed, and hath been tamed, by the nature of man:

⁸But the tongue no man can tame, an unquiet evil, full of deadly poison.f