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 56rein in the whole body as well. 3Now 7if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their whole body as well. 4Look at the ships too: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are nevertheless directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot determines. 5So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it 8boasts of great things.

9See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! 6And 10the tongue is a fire, the very world of unrighteousness; the tongue is set among 11our body’s parts as that which 12defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of our 13life, and is set on fire by 1415hell. 7For every 16species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human 17race. 8But no one among mankind can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of 18deadly poison. 9With it we bless 19our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, 20who have been made in the likeness of God; 10from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way.