James 3

1My brothers, do not many of you become teachers, knowing that we will receive greater judgment.

2For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in speech, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

3If we put bits into horses' mouths so they obey us, we also direct their whole body.

4Look, even the ships, though so great and driven by fierce winds, are steered by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the helmsman desires.

5So also the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. Behold, how small a fire kindles how great a forest!

6And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness—the tongue set among our members, defiling the whole body, setting the cycle of nature ablaze, and being set ablaze by hell.

7For every kind of beast and bird, creeping thing and sea creature is tamed, and has been tamed by human nature.

8But no human can 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 in God's likeness.

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

11Does a spring gush both sweet and bitter from the same opening?

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

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

14But if you have bitter jealousy and rivalry in your heart, do not boast and lie against the truth.

15This wisdom is not descending from above, but is earthly, natural, and demonic.

16For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is disorder and every evil thing.

17But wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, considerate, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, sincere.

18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by peacemakers.