James 3

1Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a greater judgment.

2For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in word, this one is a mature man, able also to bridle the whole body.

3If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we also guide their whole bodies.

4Look also at the ships: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the one steering wills.

5So also the tongue is a small member, and yet it boasts of great things. See how small a fire sets ablaze so great a forest.

6And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is set among our members as a world of unrighteousness, staining the whole body and setting on fire the wheel of birth, and being set on fire by Gehenna.

7For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, is being tamed and has been tamed by humankind.

8But no one among men is able to tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

9With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who have been made according to the likeness of God.

10From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

11Does a spring pour out both sweet and bitter water from the same opening?

12My brothers, can a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine figs? Neither can salt water produce fresh water.

13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show his works by his good conduct, in the meekness of wisdom.

14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.

15This wisdom is not coming down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

16For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is disorder and every vile practice.

17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, sincere.

18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.