NETtext - James - 3

3:1  Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, because you know that we will be judged more strictly.

3:2  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.

3:3  And if we put bits into the mouths of horses to get them to obey us, then we guide their entire bodies.

3:4  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.

3:5  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.

3:6  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.

3:7  For every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and sea creature is subdued and has been subdued by humankind.

3:8  But no human being can subdue 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 made in God's image.

3:10  From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. These things should not be so, my brothers and sisters.

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

3:12  Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers and sisters, or a vine produce figs? Neither can a salt water spring produce fresh water.

3:13  Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct he should show his works done in the gentleness that wisdom brings.

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

3:15  Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, natural, demonic.

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

3:17  But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical.

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