James 3:2-10

2For we all stumble and sin in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says [never saying the wrong thing], he is a perfect man [fully developed in character, without serious flaws], able to bridle his whole body and rein in his entire nature [taming his human faults and weaknesses].

3Now if we put bits into the horses’ mouths to make them obey us, we guide their whole body as well.

4And look at the ships. Even though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the helmsman determines.

5In the same sense, the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See [by comparison] how great a forest is set on fire by a small spark!

6And the tongue is [in a sense] a fire, the very world of injustice and unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our members as that which contaminates the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life [the cycle of man’s existence], and is itself set on fire by hell (Gehenna).

7For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and sea creatures, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race.

8But no one can tame the human tongue; it is a restless evil [undisciplined, unstable], full of deadly poison.

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

10Out of the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. These things, my brothers, should not be this way [for we have a moral obligation to speak in a manner that reflects our fear of God and profound respect for His precepts].