James, Chapter 3

1. My brethren, do not have many teachers, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.    2. For in many things we all offend. If anyone does not offend in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to control the whole body.    3. Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we guide their whole body.    4. Behold also the ships, which though they are so large, and are driven by fierce winds, yet are they guided with a very small rudder, wherever the pilot chooses.    5. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles!    6. And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity; so is the tongue among our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.    7. For every kind of wild animals, and of birds, and of snakes, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind:    8. But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.    9. With it we bless God, even the Father; and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God.    10. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.    11. Does a fountain send out at the same place sweet water and bitter?    12. Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? Or a vine, figs? So can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.    13. Who is a wise man and possessing knowledge among you? Let him show out of good conduct his works with the meekness of wisdom.    14. But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, do not boast, and do not lie against the truth.    15. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.    16. For where envying and strife are, there is confusion and every evil work.    17. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easily approached, full of mercy and good fruits, without bias, and without hypocrisy.    18. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.