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 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. 11Does a spring send out from the same opening both 21fresh and bitter water? 1222Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, bear olives, or a vine bear figs? Nor can salt water produce 23fresh.

13Who among you is wise and understanding? 24Let him show by his 25good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14But if you have bitter 26jealousy and 27selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against 28the truth. 15This wisdom is not that which comes down 29from above, but is 30earthly, 3132natural, 33demonic. 16For where 34jealousy and 35selfish ambition exist, 36there is disorder and every evil thing. 17But the wisdom 37from above is first 38pure, then 39peace-loving, 40gentle, 41reasonable, 42full of mercy and good fruits, 4344impartial, free of 45hypocrisy. 18And the 46fruit of righteousness is sown in peace 47by those who make peace.