Thematic Bible
James 3:1 (show verse)
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, because you know that we will be judged more strictly.
James 3:2 (show verse)
For we all stumble in many ways. If someone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect individual, able to control the entire body as well.
James 3:3 (show verse)
And if we put bits into the mouths of horses to get them to obey us, then we guide their entire bodies.
James 3:4 (show verse)
Look at ships too: Though they are so large and driven by harsh winds, they are steered by a tiny rudder wherever the pilot's inclination directs.
James 3:5 (show verse)
So too the tongue is a small part of the body, yet it has great pretensions. Think how small a flame sets a huge forest ablaze.
James 3:6 (show verse)
And the tongue is a fire! The tongue represents the world of wrongdoing among the parts of our bodies. It pollutes the entire body and sets fire to the course of human existence -- and is set on fire by hell.
James 3:7 (show verse)
For every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and sea creature is subdued and has been subdued by humankind.
James 3:8 (show verse)
But no human being can subdue the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
James 3:9 (show verse)
With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse people made in God's image.
James 3:10 (show verse)
From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. These things should not be so, my brothers and sisters.
James 3:11 (show verse)
A spring does not pour out fresh water and bitter water from the same opening, does it?
James 3:12 (show verse)
Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers and sisters, or a vine produce figs? Neither can a salt water spring produce fresh water.
James 3:13 (show verse)
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct he should show his works done in the gentleness that wisdom brings.
James 3:14 (show verse)
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfishness in your hearts, do not boast and tell lies against the truth.
James 3:15 (show verse)
Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, natural, demonic.
James 3:16 (show verse)
For where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is disorder and every evil practice.
James 3:17 (show verse)
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical.
James 3:18 (show verse)
And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace.