James 3

ABU(i) 1 MY brethren, be not many teachers, knowing that we shall receive greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we all offend. If any one offends not in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle also the whole body. 3 Now if we put the bits into the horses' mouths, that they may obey us, we turn about also their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, though they are so great, and driven by fierce winds, are turned about by a very small helm, whithersoever the steersman may desire. 5 So also the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, that world of iniquity! The tongue among our members is that which defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of life, and is set on fire by hell. 7 For every nature of beasts and birds, of reptiles and things in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed, by the nature of man. 8 But the tongue no man can tame; a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith we bless the Lord and Father; and therewith we curse men, who have been made after the likeness of God. 10 Out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Does the fountain, out of the same opening, send forth the sweet and the bitter? 12 Can a fig-tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a vine figs? Neither can salt water yield fresh. 13 Who is wise and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show, out of his good deportment, his works in meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, do not glory, and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not one that comes down from above, but earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where there is emulation and strife, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, forbearing, easily persuaded, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace, by those who work peace.