James 3:2-18

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. 11Does a fountain send out from the same opening both 19fresh and bitter water? 1220Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce 21fresh.

13Who among you is wise and understanding? 22Let him show by his 23good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14But if you have bitter 24jealousy and 25selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against 26the truth. 15This wisdom is not that which comes down 27from above, but is 28earthly, 2930natural, 31demonic. 16For where 32jealousy and 33selfish ambition exist, 34there is disorder and every evil thing. 17But the wisdom 35from above is first 36pure, then 37peaceable, 38gentle, 39reasonable, 40full of mercy and good fruits, 41unwavering, without 42hypocrisy. 18And the 4344seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace 45by those who make peace.