James 3:1-10

NHEB(i) 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. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who are made in the image of God. 10 Out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.