EMTV - James - 3

3:1  My brothers, let not many become teachers, knowing that we shall receive greater judgment.

3:2  For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a mature man, able also to bridle the whole body.

3:3  Consider that we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we guide their whole body.

3:4  Consider also the ships: although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the pilot desires.

3:5  Even so the tongue is a small member and it boasts great things. See how great a forest is kindled by such a small fire!

3:6  And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity. Thus the tongue is set among our members, as that which defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.

3:7  For every kind of both beasts and birds, of both reptiles and sea creatures, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.

3:8  But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unrestrainable evil, full of deadly poison.

3:9  With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God.

3:10  Out of the same mouth come blessings and curses. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

3:11  The spring does not pour forth from the same opening both the sweet and the bitter water, does it?

3:12  It is not possible, my brothers, for a fig tree to produce olives, or a vine to produce figs, is it? Thus no spring is able to produce both salt and sweet water.

3:13  Is there anyone wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his works are in meekness of wisdom.

3:14  But if you have bitter jealousy and strife in your heart, do not boast and lie against the truth.

3:15  This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

3:16  For where jealousy and strife exist, there is turmoil and every evil work.

3:17  But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

3:18  Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those making peace.