James 3

1 Not many [few, a limited number] of you should become teachers [instructors, spiritual guides], my brothers [fellow believers, brethren], because you know [are aware, perceive] that we who teach [instruct, guide] will be judged [evaluated, assessed] more strictly [with greater severity, more harshly]. word study 2 We all [completely, in every way] stumble [make mistakes, sin] in many [numerous, various] ways. If anyone is never [at no time, not ever] at fault [offends not, sins not] in what he says [in word, with his speech], he is a perfect [complete, mature] man, able [powerful, capable] to control [bridle, restrain] his whole [entire, complete] body. word study 3 When we put bits [bridles] into the mouths [the symbol of speech and communication] of horses [large animals used for riding and transportation] to make them obey [to persuade or convince] us, we can guide [to turn or lead] the whole [complete in every way] animal [the physical body or the entire being]. word study 4 Consider ships [vessels, boats] as well. Although they are so large [of great size, enormous] and are driven [propelled, moved] by strong winds [fierce, rough gales], they are steered [guided, directed] by a very small [tiny, insignificant] rudder [helm, steering paddle] wherever [in any direction, to any place] the pilot [governor, helmsman] is inclined [wishes, desires, has the impulse]. word study 5 In the same way [thus, in this manner], the tongue [organ of speech, language] is a small [little, insignificant] part of the body, but it boasts [talks big, magnifies itself] of great things [magnificent, extraordinary matters]. Consider [see, perceive] how small [little, few] a spark [flame, fire] sets [kindles, ignites] a great [large, vast] forest [woodland, trees] ablaze [on fire, burning]. word study 6 The tongue [a world of iniquity, a fire] also is a fire [flames], a world [an orderly arrangement, a system] of wickedness [unrighteousness, moral wrong] among the parts [members, limbs] of the body [the whole physical person]. It pollutes [defiles, stains] the whole person [the entire being, all that we are], sets the course [wheel, cycle] of his life [existence, nature] on fire [ignites, kindles], and is itself set on fire [inflamed, ignited] by hell [Gehenna, a place of eternal punishment]. word study 7 All kinds [every sort, the whole nature] of animals [beasts, wild animals], birds [fowls], reptiles [creeping things, serpents], and creatures [things] of the sea [marine, the ocean] are being tamed [subdued, controlled] and have been tamed [domesticated, brought under authority] by man [mankind, human nature], word study 8 but no man [none, nobody] can tame [subdue, control] the tongue [language, speech]. It is a restless [uncontrollable, unruly] evil [harm, wickedness], full [filled, complete] of deadly [fatal, poisonous] poison [venom, rust]. word study 9 With the tongue [our words, speech] we bless [praise, speak well of] our Lord [Master, Savior] and Father [the Creator, heavenly Father], and with it [the same tongue, our speech] we curse [wish harm, speak evil of] men [human beings, people], who have been made [created, formed] in God’s [the divine, heavenly Father’s] likeness [image, similitude]. word study 10 Out of [from the same source, originating from] the same mouth [the instrument of speech and communication] come [proceed, issue forth] blessing [praise, benediction, a divine gift] and [also, in addition to] cursing [a strong expression of disapproval, condemnation]. My [belonging to me, my fellow] brothers [fellow believers, brethren], this [these things, such behavior] should [ought, is necessary] not [by no means, in no way] be [exist, occur, happen]! word study 11 Can both fresh [sweet] water and salt [bitter] water flow [pour forth, gush out] from the same [single, unique] spring [fountain, source of water]? word study 12 My brothers [fellow believers, brethren], can a fig tree [a common tree] grow olives [or bear olive berries], or a grapevine [a vine] bear figs [or produce figs]? Neither [in no way, so] can a salt [salty] spring [a source of water] produce fresh [sweet] water [or yield sweet water]. word study 13 Who is [truly] wise [having good judgment, skilled] and understanding [intelligent, knowledgeable] among you? Let him show it by his [morally] good conduct [behavior, manner of life], by deeds done in the [humble, gentle] humility [meekness of wisdom] that comes from [spiritual, divine] wisdom. word study 14 But if you harbor [nurture, entertain] bitter [sharp, unpleasant] jealousy [zeal, envy] and selfish [rival, contentious] ambition [strife, rivalry] in your hearts [the seat of thoughts, feelings, and emotions], do not boast [exult, glory] in it or deny [lie, contradict] the truth [reality, sincerity]. word study 15 Such [true, spiritual] wisdom [higher understanding, discernment] does not come from above [from heaven, from God], but is [instead, rather] earthly [of this world, sensual], unspiritual [natural, without the Holy Spirit], demonic [devilish, influenced by evil spirits]. word study 16 For where [in the presence of] jealousy [envy, rivalry] and selfish ambition [strife, contention] exist, there will be [result in] disorder [confusion, instability] and every [all kinds of] evil [wicked, morally wrong] practice [deed, action]. word study 17 But the wisdom [from heaven, spiritual understanding] from above [from a higher realm] is first of all [primarily, in the beginning] pure [chaste, innocent, and modest], then [after that, subsequently] peace-loving [peaceful, calm, and serene], gentle [fair, moderate, and considerate], accommodating [easy to be entreated, compliant], full of mercy [showing pity, compassion] and good fruit [beneficial and righteous works], impartial [unbiased, without favoritism], and sincere [genuine, without hypocrisy]. word study 18 Peacemakers [those who make peace, promote harmony] who sow [plant seeds of] in peace [a state of harmony, prosperity] reap [harvest, gather] the fruit [product, result] of righteousness [living according to God’s will, being in right standing with Him]. word study