James Chapter 3
1 My
brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a
stricter judgment. 2 For
we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is
a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses'
mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although
they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very
small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even
so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a
forest a little fire kindles! 6 And
the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among
our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of
nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 7 For
every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and
has been tamed by mankind. 8 But
no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With
it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in
the similitude of God. 10 Out
of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought
not to be so. 11 Does
a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren,
bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water
and fresh. 13 Who
is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that
his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy
and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend
from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and
self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from
above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy
and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness
is sown in peace by those who make peace.