Jas 3
1
Be not many [of you] teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive heavier
judgment.
2
For in many things we all stumble. If any stumbles not in word, the same is a perfect
man, able to bridle the whole body also.
3
Now if we put the horses` bridles into their mouths that they may obey us, we turn
about their whole body also.
4
Behold, the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, are
yet turned about by a very small rudder, where the impulse of the steersman wills.
5
So the tongue also is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how much wood
is kindled by how small a fire!
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 wheel of nature, and is set on fire by
hell.
7
For every kind of beasts and birds, of creeping things and things in the sea, is tamed,
and has been tamed by mankind.
8
But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] a restless evil, [it is] full of deadly poison.
9
Therewith bless we the Lord and Father; and therewith curse we men, who are made after
the likeness of God:
10
out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things
ought not so to be.
11
Does the fountain send forth from the same opening sweet [water] and bitter?
12
Can a fig tree, my brethren, yield olives, or a vine figs? Neither [can] salt water
yield sweet.
13
Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in
meekness of wisdom.
14
But if you have bitter jealousy and faction in your heart, glory not and lie not against
the truth.
15
This wisdom is not [a wisdom] that comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual,
devilish.
16
For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed.
17
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be
entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy.
18
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for them that make peace.