James 3:2-10

2For we all 1stumble in many ways. 2If anyone does not stumble in 3what he says, he is a 4perfect man, able to 5bridle the whole body as well. 3Now 6if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. 4Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. 5So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it 7boasts of great things.

8See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! 6And 9the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which 10defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our 11life, and is set on fire by 1213hell. 7For every 14species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human 15race. 8But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of 16deadly poison. 9With it we bless 17our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, 18who have been made in the likeness of God; 10from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.