< James 3 >
1 Be ye not many teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive the greater judgment.
2 For we all fail in many things; if any one fails not in word, the same is a perfect man, able even to bridle the whole body.
3 But if we put bridles into the mouths of the horses, that they may obey us; and we manage their whole body;
4 behold also the ships, being so great, and driven by fierce winds, are managed by the smallest rudder, whithersoever the will of the steersman prefers;
5 so also the tongue is a little member, and it boasts great things. Behold, how great a wood a little fire kindles!
6 The tongue, a fire, the world of iniquity: the tongue sits down in the midst of our members, and corrupting the whole body, and setting on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire from hell. (Geenna )
7 For every nature both of wild beasts, and of birds, and of creeping things, and of oceanic animals, is subdued, and has been subjugated to human nature:
8 but no one of men is able to tame the tongue; an incorrigible evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With it we bless the Lord, even the Father; and with it we scold the people, who have been made after the image of God:
10 out of the same mouth come forth blessing and scolding. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Whether does the fountain out of the same chink send forth sweet water and bitter?
12 My brethren, whether is the fig-tree able to produce olives, or the vine figs? Neither is the bitter fountain able to produce sweet water.
13 Who is wise and instructed among you? Let him show forth out of beautiful conduct his works in meekness of wisdom.
14 But if you have bitter envy and strife in your heart, do not boast, and lie against the truth.
15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but it is earthly, intellectual, and demoniacal.
16 For where there are envy and strife, there are contention and every evil work.
17 But the wisdom which is from above is indeed first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easily persuaded, full of mercy and of good works, free from partiality and hypocrisy.
18 But the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace to those who are making peace.
