James 3

18 verses

Verse 1 Let not many of you be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment. Verse 2 For in many things we all stumble. If anyone does not stumble in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also. Verse 3 Now if we put bits into the horses' mouths so that they may obey us, we guide their whole body. Verse 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. Verse 5 So the tongue is also a little member, and boasts great things. See how a small fire can spread to a large forest! Verse 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 hell. Verse 7 For every kind of animal, bird, creeping thing, and thing in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind. Verse 8 But nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. Verse 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the image of God. Verse 10 Out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Verse 11 Does a spring send out from the same opening fresh and bitter water? Verse 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, yield olives, or a vine figs? Nor is salt water able to produce sweet. Verse 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom. Verse 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not boast and do not lie against the truth. Verse 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. Verse 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed. Verse 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, without hypocrisy. Verse 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.