James 3

1 My brethren, be not many teachers, knowing that we shall pass a stricter trial for in many things we all offend; 2 if any offend not in word, he is a compleat man, able to manage also the whole body. 3 Behold we put bridles into the mouths of horses, that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body 4 Behold also the ships which are of so great bulk, even when driven by hard winds, are turned about by a very small helm which way soever the pilot pleaseth. 5 So the tongue is a small part yet boasteth great things. Behold how much fuel a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our parts, defiling the whole body, inflaming the course of nature, and set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of wild beasts, and birds, and reptiles, and fishes, is tamed and hath been tamed by mankind: 8 but the tongue can no man tame; 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 after the likeness of God: 10 out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. These things, my brethren, ought not so to be. 11 Does a fountain from the same opening send forth sweet and bitter? 12 Can a fig-tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine figs? so no fountain produce salt water and sweet. 13 any wise and understanding among you? let him shew his works by a good conversation in the meekness of wisdom: 14 but if ye have bitter envy and strife in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth; 15 this is not the wisdom, that cometh down from above, but earthly, sensual, diabolical: 16 for where envying and strife there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom from above first is pure, then peaceable, mild, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those that promote peace.