James 3:1-8 ▼

1 Let not many of you be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment.

2 For 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.

3 Now if we put bits into the horses' mouths so that they may obey us, we guide their whole body.

4 And 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.

5 So the tongue is also a little member, and boasts great things. See how a small fire can spread to a large forest.

6 And 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.

7 For all kinds of animals, and birds, of reptiles and sea creatures, are being tamed and have been tamed by humankind.

8 But nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.