1Let not many of you be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment. 2For in many things we all stumble. If anyone does not stumble in word, this one is a perfect person, able to bridle the whole body also. 3Now if we put bits into the horses' mouths so that they may obey us, we guide their whole body. 4And look at the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires. 5So the tongue is also a little member, and boasts great things. See how a small fire can spread to a large forest. 6And the tongue is a fire. The world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by hell. 7For all kinds of animals, and birds, of reptiles and sea creatures, are being tamed and have been tamed by humankind. 8But nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who are made in the image of God. 10Out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11Does a spring send out from the same opening fresh and bitter water? 12Can a fig tree, my brothers, yield olives, or a vine figs? Nor is salt water able to produce sweet.

13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom. 14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not boast and do not lie against the truth. 15This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. 16For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed. 17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, without hypocrisy. 18Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.