James Chapter 3 Back Next{3:1} Let not many of you be teachers, my
brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment.
{3:2} For in many things we all stumble. If anyone doesn't stumble in word, the same is a perfect man, able to
bridle the whole body also.
{3:3} Indeed, we put bits into the
horses' mouths so that they may obey us, and we guide their whole body.
{3:4} Behold, 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.
{3:5} So the tongue is also a little member, and boasts great things. See how a small
fire can spread to a large
forest!
{3:6} 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
Gehenna. {3:7} For every kind of animal,
bird, creeping thing, and thing in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind.
{3:8} But nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
{3:9} With it we
bless our God and
Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the image of God.
{3:10} Out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
{3:11} Does a spring send out from the same opening fresh and
bitter water?
{3:12} Can a
fig tree, my brothers, yield olives, or a vine figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh water.
{3:13} Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom.
{3:14} But if you have bitter
jealousy and selfish ambition in your
heart, don't boast and don't lie against the truth.
{3:15} This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and
demonic.
{3:16} For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed.
{3:17} But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
{3:18} Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James Chapter 3 Back Next