James 3

1Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, because you know that we will be judged more strictly.

2For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone never stumbles in what they say, that person is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check as well.

3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn their whole bodies.

4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.

5In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Think how great a forest is set on fire by a small flame!

6The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of our body. It stains the whole body, sets the whole course of life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

7For every kind of animal and bird, reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by humankind,

8but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

9With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in the likeness of God.

10Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

11Can both fresh water and bitter water flow from the same spring?

12My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good way of life, by works done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.

15Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.

16For where there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every evil practice.

17But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere.

18And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.