James 3:2-11

2For we all often offend. If any one offend not in word, he [is] a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body too.

3Behold, we put the bits in the mouths of the horses, that they may obey us, and we turn round their whole bodies.

4Behold also the ships, which are so great, and driven by violent winds, are turned about by a very small rudder, wherever the pleasure of the helmsman will.

5Thus also the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. See how little a fire, how large a wood it kindles!

6and the tongue [is] fire, the world of unrighteousness; the tongue is set in our members, the defiler of the whole body, and which sets fire to the course of nature, and is set on fire of hell.

7For every species both of beasts and of birds, both of creeping things and of sea animals, is tamed and has been tamed by the human species;

8but the tongue can no one among men tame; [it is] an unsettled evil, full of death-bringing poison.

9Therewith bless we the Lord and Father, and therewith curse we men made after [the] likeness of 1God.

10Out of the same mouth goes forth blessing and cursing. It is not right, my brethren, that these things should be thus.

11Does the fountain, out of the same opening, pour forth sweet and bitter?