James 3:1-16 ▼

1 My brethren, be not many teachers, knowing that we who are such shall pass a stricter trial than others: for in many things we all offend;

2 and if any offend not in word, he is a compleat man, able to manage also the whole body.

3 Behold we put bridles into the mouths of horses, that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body as we please.

4 Behold also the ships which are of so great bulk, and even when they are driven by hard winds, yet are turned about by a very small helm which way soever the pilot pleaseth.

5 So the tongue is a small part of the body, yet boasteth great things. Behold how much fuel a little fire kindleth!

6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our several parts, defiling the whole body, inflaming the course of nature, and is set on fire by hell.

7 For every kind of wild beasts, and birds, and reptiles, and fishes, is tamed and hath been tamed by mankind:

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

9 With it we bless God even the Father; and with it we curse men, who are made after the likeness of God:

10 out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. These things, my brethren, ought not so to be.

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

12 Can a fig-tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine figs? so can no fountain produce salt water and sweet.

13 Is there any wise and understanding man among you? let him shew his works by a good conversation in the meekness of wisdom:

14 but if ye have bitter envy and strife in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth;

15 this is not the wisdom, that cometh down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and diabolical:

16 for where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.