1 My brethren, become not many of you teachers, knowing that we shall receive the greater judgment.
2 For in many things we all stumble. If anyone stumbles not in word, the same is a perfect man, able to restrain also the whole body.
3 Now, if we put the horses' bridles into their mouths, that they may obey us, we turn about their whole body also.
4 Behold also the ships, large as they are, and driven along by fierce winds, are turned about by a very small rudder, wheresoever the impulse of the steersman wills.
5 So also the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how small a fire kindles how great a forest!
6 And the tongue is a fire, the world of iniquity! the tongue is placed among our members, as that which defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of life, and is set on fire by Hell.
7 For every nature, both of wild beasts and birds, both of creeping things and things in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed, by mankind;
8 but the tongue no man can tame; a restless evil, full of deadly poison!
9 Therewith we bless the Lord and Father; and therewith we curse men, who have been made after the likeness of God.
10 Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing! My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Does the fountain send forth, from the same opening, the sweet water and the bitter,
12 My brethren, can a fig tree produce olives; or a vine, figs? Neither can salt water yield sweet.
13 Who is wise and intelligent among you? Let him show, by his good conduct, his works in meekness of wisdom.
14 But, if ye have bitter jealousy and contention in your heart, do not boast and lie against the truth.
15 This wisdom is not the wisdom that comes down from above; but is earthly, soulish, demoniacal!
16 For where there are jealousy and contention, there is confusion and every vile deed.
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, mild, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those making peace.