Thematic Bible
James 3:1 (show verse)
I do not want many of you, my Brothers, to become teachers, knowing, as you do, that we who teach shall be judged by a more severe standard than others.
James 3:2 (show verse)
We often make mistakes, every one of us. Any one who does not make mistakes when speaking is indeed a perfect man, able to bridle his whole body as well.
James 3:3 (show verse)
When we put bits into horses' mouths, to make them obey us, we control the rest of their bodies so.
James 3:4 (show verse)
Again, think of ships. Large as they are, and even when driven by fierce winds, they are controlled by a very small rudder and steered in whatever direction the man at the helm may determine.
James 3:5 (show verse)
So is it with the tongue. Small as it is, it is a great boaster. Think how tiny a spark may set the largest forest ablaze!
James 3:6 (show verse)
And the tongue is like a spark. Among the members of our body it proves itself a very world of mischief; it contaminates the whole body; it sets the wheels of life on fire, and is itself set on fire by the flames of the Pit.
James 3:7 (show verse)
For while all sorts of beasts and birds, and of reptiles and creatures in the sea, are tameable, and actually have been tamed by man,
James 3:8 (show verse)
No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless plague! It is charged with deadly poison!
James 3:9 (show verse)
With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made 'in God's likeness.'
James 3:10 (show verse)
From the very same mouth come blessings and curses! My Brothers, it is not right that this should be so.
James 3:11 (show verse)
Does a spring give both good and bad water from the same source?
James 3:12 (show verse)
Can a fig tree, my Brothers, bear olives? or a vine bear figs? No, nor can a brackish well give good water.
James 3:13 (show verse)
Who among you claims to be wise and intelligent? Let him show that his actions are the outcome of a good life lived in the humility of true wisdom.
James 3:14 (show verse)
But, while you harbor envy and bitterness and a spirit of rivalry in your hearts, do not boast or lie to the detriment of the Truth.
James 3:15 (show verse)
That is not the wisdom which comes from above; no, it is earthly, animal, devilish.
James 3:16 (show verse)
For, where envy and rivalry exist, there you will also find disorder and all kinds of base actions.
James 3:17 (show verse)
But the wisdom from above is, before every thing else, pure; then peace-loving, gentle, open to conviction, rich in compassion and good deeds, and free from partiality and insincerity.
James 3:18 (show verse)
And righteousness, its fruit, is sown in peace by those who work for peace.