James 3:2-10

2For in many things we all offend. If any man stumble not in word, the same is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

3Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

4Behold also the ships, which though they are so great, and are driven by fierce winds, yet they are turned about with a very small helm, wherever the pilot willeth.

5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!1

6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire from hell.2

7For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of creatures in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed by mankind:34

8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

9With it we bless God, even the Father; and with it we curse men, who are made after the similitude of God.

10Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.