1 ¶ My brethren, not many of you should be teachers, knowing that we will be judged more severely.

2 For we all sin in many ways. If anyone never sins in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his entire body in check.

3 When we put bits in the mouths of horses, to make them obey us; we are able to turn their whole body.

4 Consider also the ships, although they are quite large, and are driven by strong winds, they are turned by a very small rudder, wherever the steersman desires.

5 In the same way the tongue is a tiny part of the body, but can boast of great things. Think also of how a large forest can be set ablaze by a tiny flame!

6 And the tongue is a fire, the tongue is a world of evil set among the parts of our body, that is set aflame by hell; and sets the entire cycle of our life ablaze.

7 For all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea, are being subdued, and have been subdued by mankind:

8 But no man can subdue the tongue; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

9 With it we bless our God and Father; and with it we curse men, who were created in God’s image.

10 Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brethren, that should never happen.

11 Does a spring cause fresh water and stagnant water to gush forth from the same hole?

12 Is a fig tree, my brethren, able to bear olives? or a vine, figs? neither can salt water produce fresh.

13 ¶ Who among you is wise and understanding? let him show by excellent conduct a life consistent with the humility that comes from wisdom.

14 But if you harbor the zeal of bitterness and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be boasting, and lying to hide the truth.

15 That sort of wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and devilish.

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

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, considerate, and willing to cooperate, full of mercy and good fruit, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

18 Moreover the fruit of true righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.