Taming the Tongue

1My brethren, become not many of you teachers, knowing that we shall receive the greater judgment. 2For in many things we all stumble. If anyone stumbles not in word, the same is a perfect man, able to restrain also the whole body. 3Now, if we put the horses' bridles into their mouths, that they may obey us, we turn about their whole body also. 4Behold also the ships, large as they are, and driven along by fierce winds, are turned about by a very small rudder, wheresoever the impulse of the steersman wills. 5So also the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how small a fire kindles how great a forest! 6And the tongue is a fire, the world of iniquity! the tongue is placed among our members, as that which defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of life, and is set on fire by Hell. 7For every nature, both of wild beasts and birds, both of creeping things and things in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed, by mankind; 8but the tongue no man can tame; a restless evil, full of deadly poison! 9Therewith we bless the Lord and Father; and therewith we curse men, who have been made after the likeness of God. 10Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing! My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11Does the fountain send forth, from the same opening, the sweet water and the bitter, 12My brethren, can a fig tree produce olives; or a vine, figs? Neither can salt water yield sweet.

The Wisdom from Above

13Who is wise and intelligent among you? Let him show, by his good conduct, his works in meekness of wisdom. 14But, if ye have bitter jealousy and contention in your heart, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15This wisdom is not the wisdom that comes down from above; but is earthly, soulish, demoniacal! 16For where there are jealousy and contention, there is confusion and every vile deed. 17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, mild, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, without hypocrisy. 18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those making peace.