Thematic Bible
James 3:1 (show verse)
My brethren, don't affect many of you to be doctors, considering, that those of us who are such, shall be tried with the greater severity.
James 3:2 (show verse)
for we are all liable to frequent mistakes. he that does not give too great a loose to his tongue, is an accomplish'd person and fit to moderate the whole church.
James 3:3 (show verse)
you see how manageable horses are made by the application of a bit, which makes them take what motion we please.
James 3:4 (show verse)
a ship too of the greatest burthen, tho' the wind bears hard, by means of an inconsiderable helm, veers about as the hand of the pilot directs her.
James 3:5 (show verse)
so the tongue is but a small part of the body, yet how grand are its pretensions. a spark of fire! what quantities of timber will it blow into a flame?
James 3:6 (show verse)
the tongue is a brand that sets the world in a combustion: it is but one of the numerous organs of the body, yet it can blast whole assemblies: tipp'd with infernal sulphur it sets the whole train of life in a blaze.
James 3:7 (show verse)
creatures of every kind, beasts, birds, reptiles, and sea-monsters, are frequently tamed by human industry.
James 3:8 (show verse)
but who could ever tame the tongue? arm'd with deadly poison, the mischief scorns restraint.
James 3:9 (show verse)
By that we give praises to God the father: and that pronounces curses even against men, who are form'd after the divine resemblance.
James 3:10 (show verse)
from the same mouth shall blessing and cursing proceed? this ought not to be practis'd, my brethren;
James 3:11 (show verse)
does a fountain throw up salt water and fresh, by the same conveyance?
James 3:12 (show verse)
can a fig-tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine figs? no more can the sea yield water that is fresh.
James 3:13 (show verse)
Whoever is a skilful moralist, let him show by his virtuous conduct, that he practises the humble precepts of wisdom.
James 3:14 (show verse)
but if envy and contention imbitter your minds, don't think your false pretences can stand against the truth:
James 3:15 (show verse)
such wisdom is not derived from heaven; but is terrestrial, sensual, demoniacal.
James 3:16 (show verse)
where false zeal, and a spirit of contention reign, there confusion and every vice prevail.
James 3:17 (show verse)
but wisdom deriv'd from heaven is first dispassionate, then pacific, equitable, and obsequious: full of beneficence, and all social virtue, free from partiality, and hypocrisy.
James 3:18 (show verse)
they who cultivate peace, enjoy the reward of their virtue.