Jas3:1 Let not many [of you] become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgment.
Jas3:2 For we all stumble in many [ways]. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.
Jas3:3 Now if we put the bits into the horses' mouths so that they may obey us, we direct their entire body as well.
Jas3:4 Behold, the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder, wherever the inclination of the pilot desires.
Jas3:5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and [yet] it boasts of great things. Behold, how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!
Jas3:6 And the tongue is a fire, the [very] world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of [our] life, and is set on fire by hell.
Jas3:7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by the human race.
Jas3:8 But no one can tame the tongue; [it is] a restless evil [and] full of deadly poison.
Jas3:9 With it we bless [our] Lord and Father; and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God;
Jas3:10 from the same mouth come [both] blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.
Jas3:11 Does a fountain send out from the same opening [both] fresh and bitter [water]?
Jas3:12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Neither [can] salt water produce fresh.
Jas3:13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.
Jas3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and [so] lie against the truth.
Jas3:15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.
Jas3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.
Jas3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.
Jas3:18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.