James 3:2-12 We often make mistakes, every one of us. Any one who does not make mistakes when speaking is indeed a perfect man, able to bridle his whole body as well.

Twentieth_Century⁽ⁱ⁾ ² We often make mistakes, every one of us. Any one who does not make mistakes when speaking is indeed a perfect man, able to bridle his whole body as well. ³ When we put bits into horses' mouths, to make them obey us, we control the rest of their bodies so. ⁴ Again, think of ships. Large as they are, and even when driven by fierce winds, they are controlled by a very small rudder and steered in whatever direction the man at the helm may determine. ⁵ So is it with the tongue. Small as it is, it is a great boaster. Think how tiny a spark may set the largest forest ablaze! ⁶ And the tongue is like a spark. Among the members of our body it proves itself a very world of mischief; it contaminates the whole body; it sets the wheels of life on fire, and is itself set on fire by the flames of the Pit. ⁷ For while all sorts of beasts and birds, and of reptiles and creatures in the sea, are tameable, and actually have been tamed by man, ⁸ No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless plague! It is charged with deadly poison! ⁹ With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made 'in God's likeness.' ¹⁰ From the very same mouth come blessings and curses! My Brothers, it is not right that this should be so. ¹¹ Does a spring give both good and bad water from the same source? ¹² Can a fig tree, my Brothers, bear olives? or a vine bear figs? No, nor can a brackish well give good water.