James 3
1 Do not become many teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive a severe sentence.
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 all offend. If any one offend not in the word, he is a perfect man, able to rule, also, the whole body.
For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle his entire body as well.
3 Behold, we put bits into the mouths of horses, to make them obedient to us, and we turn about their whole body.
Behold, we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they will obey us, and we guide their entire bodies.
4 Behold, also, the ships, which, though they be so great, and are driven by fierce winds, are turned about by a very small helm, whithersoever the power of the pilot determines:
Or take ships for example, though they are so large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot directs.
5 so, also, the tongue is a little member, yet it works mightily. Behold, how much wood a little fire kindles!
In the same way, the tongue is a small member, yet it makes great boasts. Consider how great a forest a little fire kindles.
6 Now the tongue is a fire--a world of iniquity; the tongue is so placed among our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets the wheel of nature in a blaze, and is set on fire from hell. (Geenna g1067)
And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of unrighteousness, staining the entire body, setting the course of life on fire, and itself being set on fire by hell. (Geenna g1067)
7 Now every species of wild beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of sea monsters, is subdued, and has been subdued by man:
Every species of beast, bird, reptile, and sea creature can be tamed and has been tamed by man,
8 but the tongue of men, no one can subdue; it is an unruly evil thing, full of deadly poison.
but no man can tame the tongue. It is 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 in the likeness of God.
With it we bless God our Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in God's likeness.
10 Out of the same mouth proceed a blessing and a curse! My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this ought not to be so.
11 Does a fountain send forth, from the same opening, sweet water and bitter?
Does a spring pour out fresh water and bitter water from the same opening?
12 Can a fig-tree, my brethren, produces olives; or a vine, figs? So, no fountain can yield salt water and fresh.
Can a fig tree, my brothers, produce olives, or a grapevine figs? In the same way, no spring can produce both salt water and fresh water.
13 Is any one wise and intelligent among you? let him show, by good behavior, his works, with meekness of wisdom.
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done with the gentleness that comes from wisdom.
14 But if you have bitter anger and strife in your heart, do you not boast and lie against the truth?
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast or deny the truth.
15 This is not the wisdom which comes from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish:
This is not the wisdom that comes down from above; rather, it is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.
16 for where there is anger and strife, there is disorder, and every evil work.
For where there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil practice.
17 But the wisdom from above is, indeed, first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be persuaded, full of compassion and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easily entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and unhypocritical.
18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace, by them who practice peace.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
