LEB - James - 3

3:1  Not many should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we will receive a greater judgment.

3:2  For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect individual, able to hold in check his whole body also.

3:3  And if we put bits in the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we also guide their whole bodies.

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

3:5  So also the tongue is a small member of the body and boasts great things. Behold how small a fire sets ablaze how great a forest!

3:6  And the tongue is a fire! The world of unrighteousness, the tongue, is set among our members, defiling the whole body and setting on fire ⌞the course of human existence⌟, being set on fire by hell.

3:7  For every species of animals and birds, of reptiles and sea creatures, is being tamed and has been tamed by the human species,

3:8  but no human being is able to tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

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

3:10  From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so!

3:11  A spring does not pour forth from the same opening fresh and bitter water, does it?

3:12  A fig tree is not able, my brothers, to produce olives, or a grapevine figs. Neither can a saltwater spring produce fresh water.

3:13  Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good behavior his works, with the humility of wisdom.

3:14  But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and tell lies against the truth.

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

3:16  For where there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil practice.

3:17  But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, obedient, full of mercy and good fruits, nonjudgmental, without hypocrisy,

3:18  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace among those who make peace.