The Untamable Tongue

1My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.   teachers

2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.   control

3Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

4Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, wherever the governor lists.   strong; pilot desires

5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles!   body part

6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.   body parts; corrupts

7For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed of mankind:

8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

9Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.   likeness

10Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

11Does a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?   opening

12Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.