The Tongue Is a Fire
1 James 3:1 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.
2 James 3:2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.
3 James 3:3 Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well.
4 James 3:4 Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires.
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James 3:5
So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things.
6 James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.
7 James 3:7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race.
8 James 3:8 But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.
9 James 3:9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God;
10 James 3:10 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.
11 James 3:11 Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?
12 James 3:12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.
Wisdom from Above
13 James 3:13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.
14 James 3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.
15 James 3:15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.
16 James 3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.
17 James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.
18 James 3:18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.