Thematic Bible
James 3:1 (show verse)
Do not become many teachers, my brothers, because you know well that we teachers shall be judged by a severer standard than others.
James 3:2 (show verse)
For in many respects we often stumble. If any man never stumbles in speech, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.
James 3:3 (show verse)
When we put bits in the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we control their whole body also.
James 3:4 (show verse)
Look at the ships too, though they are so large, even when driven by fierce winds they are turned by a very small rudder, wherever the impulse of the helmsman wills.
James 3:5 (show verse)
So also the tongue is a small member and makes great boasts. Behold, how great a forest is set on fire by a little spark!
James 3:6 (show verse)
And the tongue is a fire; it is a very world of iniquity among our members, defiling the whole body, and setting on fire the wheel of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell.
James 3:7 (show verse)
For while every kind of beast and bird, and of reptiles and sea-creatures are tamable, and actually have been tamed by mankind,
James 3:8 (show verse)
no man can tame the tongue, restless evil that it is, full of deadly poison.
James 3:9 (show verse)
With it we continually bless our Lord and Father, and with it we are accustomed to curse men made in the image of God.
James 3:10 (show verse)
From out of the same mouth pour forth blessings and cursings! My brothers, this ought not to be so.
James 3:11 (show verse)
Does a spring pour forth from the same opening sweet water and bitter?
James 3:12 (show verse)
Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives; or a grape-vine, figs? No more can salt water yield fresh water.
James 3:13 (show verse)
Who among you is wise and intelligent? Let him show his deeds by his good life, in the meekness of wisdom.
James 3:14 (show verse)
But if you have bitter jealousy and faction in your heart, do not be boasting of that, and be false to the truth.
James 3:15 (show verse)
Such wisdom is not that which is descending from on high, but is earthly, sensual, demonlike.
James 3:16 (show verse)
For wherever jealousy and faction exist, there is confusion and every evil deed.
James 3:17 (show verse)
But the wisdom which comes from on high is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, conciliatory, overflowing with mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without insincerity.
James 3:18 (show verse)
And the fruit of righteousness is being sown in peace by those who are working peace.