The Power of the Tongue
1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brethren, knowing that we will be judged more strictly.
2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Now if we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide also their whole body.
4 Look! The ships also, though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, are guided by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.
5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts great things. See how a small fire kindles a great forest!
6 And the tongue is a fire, the world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, defiling the whole body and setting on fire the wheel of life, being set on fire by hell.
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind,
8 but no human being can tame the tongue; a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, made in the likeness of God.
10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
11 Does a spring send out fresh water and bitter water from the same opening?
12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
Wisdom from Above
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct his works in meekness of wisdom.
14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not boast and lie against the truth.
15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil practice.
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
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