New Testament · James

James 3

Taming the Tongue

(Psalm 64:1–10)

1Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a stricter verdict^a. 2For we all stumble in many ways, and if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also.

3Behold, we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, and we guide their whole body as well. 4Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.

5So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts great things; see how great a forest so small a fire sets ablaze. 6And the tongue is a fire — the tongue is set among our members as a world of unrighteousness; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the wheel of birth cycle, and is itself set on fire by Gehenna.^bc

7For every species of wild animals and birds, of reptiles and sea creatures, is tamed and has been tamed by humankind, 8but no human being can tame the tongue — it is an uncontrollable evil, full of deadly poison.

9With it we bless God and the Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10From the same mouth come blessing and cursing; my brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? 12Can a fig tree, my brothers, produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? So no spring can produce both salt and fresh water.

The Wisdom from Above

13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom^d. 14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart^e, do not boast and lie against the truth^f. 15This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, soul-driven^g, demonic. 16For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial^h and sincere. 18And a harvest of righteousnessⁱ is sown in peace^j by those who make peace.