James 3:2-18 ▼

2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in word, this one is a perfect man, able to bridle even the whole body.

3 Now if we put bits into the mouths of the horses for them to obey us, we turn about even their whole body.

4 Behold also the ships, being so great and being driven by strong winds, are turned about by a very small rudder where the impulse of the one steering intends.

5 So also the tongue is a small member, and it boasts great things. Behold what size a fire, what size a forest it kindles.

6 And the tongue is a fire, the world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, and setting aflame the course of nature, and itself being set aflame by Gehenna.

7 For every nature both of beasts and of birds, both of creeping things and things of the sea, is subdued and has been subdued by the human race,

8 but no one of men is able to subdue the tongue; it is an unstable evil, full of deadly poison.

9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, those having been made according to the likeness of God.

10 Out of the same mouth come out blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

11 Does the spring send forth out of the same opening sweet and bitter?

12 Is a fig tree able, my brothers, to make olives, or a vine, figs? Neither can salt prooduce sweet water.

13 Who is wise and understanding among you?? Let him show it out of the good conduct his works in meekness of wisdom.

14 But if you? have bitter jealousy and self-interest in your? heart, do not boast and lie against the truth.

15 This is not the wisdom coming down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

16 For where jealousy and self-interest are, there are disorder and every evil thing.

17 But the wisdom from above is indeed first pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and of good fruits, impartial, unhypocritical.

18 And the fruit of righteousness in peace is sown by those making peace.