James 3:1-10

MLV(i) 1 My brethren, do not let many of you become teachers, knowing that we will be receiving a greater judgment. 2 For we all trip in many things. If anyone does not trip in speech, this one is a mature man, is also able to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold we put the horses’bridles into their mouths that they are to be obedient to us, and we direct their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, though being so-great and are driven by harsh winds, yet they are directed by a little rudder, wherever the impulse of the steersman is planning.
5 So the tongue is also a little member and boasts of magnificent things. Behold, how-vast a forest it lights with such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, the world of unrighteousness. Thus the tongue is designated among our members as what stains the whole body and ignites the birth cycle and is ignited by hell. 7 For every nature of beasts and birds, of reptiles and sea-creatures, is tamed and has been tamed by human nature. 8 But no one from mankind is able to tame the tongue; it is an uncontrollable evil, full of deadly poison. 9 We are giving-thanks to God and the Father with it and we curse men with it, those who have become according to the likeness of God. 10 A thanks and a curse comes out of the same mouth. My brethren, these things do not need to become so!