James 3
1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receiue the greater condemnation.
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
2 For in many things we sinne all. If any man sinne not in word, he is a perfect man, and able to bridle all the body.
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.
3 Beholde, we put bittes into the horses mouthes, that they should obey vs, and we turne about all their bodie.
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal.
4 Behold also the shippes, which though they be so great, and are driuen of fierce windes, yet are they turned about with a very small rudder, whither soeuer the gouernour listeth.
Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined.
5 Euen so the tongue is a litle member, and boasteth of great things: beholde, howe great a thing a litle fire kindleth.
In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze.
6 And the tongue is fire, yea, a worlde of wickednesse: so is the tongue set among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature, and it is set on fire of hell. (Geenna g1067)
The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. (Geenna g1067)
7 For the whole nature of beasts, and of birds, and of creeping things, and things of the sea is tamed, and hath bene tamed of the nature of man.
All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man,
8 But the tongue can no man tame. It is an vnruly euill, full of deadly poyson.
but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith blesse we God euen the Father, and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.
10 Out of one mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing: my brethren, these things ought not so to be.
Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!
11 Doeth a fountaine send forth at one place sweete water and bitter?
Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?
12 Can ye figge tree, my brethren, bring forth oliues, either a vine figges? so can no fountaine make both salt water and sweete.
My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew by good conuersation his workes in meekenesse of wisdome.
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
14 But if ye haue bitter enuying and strife in your hearts, reioyce not, neither be liars against the trueth.
But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth.
15 This wisedome descendeth not from aboue, but is earthly, sensuall, and deuilish.
Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
16 For where enuying and strife is, there is sedition, and all maner of euill workes.
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.
17 But the wisedome that is from aboue, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easie to be intreated, full of mercie and good fruites, without iudging, and without hipocrisie.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
18 And the fruite of righteousnesse is sowen in peace, of them that make peace.
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.
