James 3

1 Let not many of you be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment.NHEB — James 3:1

2 For in many things we all stumble. If anyone does not stumble in word, this one is a perfect person, able to bridle the whole body also.NHEB — James 3:2

3 Now if we put bits into the horses' mouths so that they may obey us, we guide their whole body.NHEB — James 3:3

4 And look at the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires.NHEB — James 3:4

5 So the tongue is also a little member, and boasts great things. See how a small fire can spread to a large forest.NHEB — James 3:5

6 And the tongue is a fire. The world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by hell.NHEB — James 3:6

7 For all kinds of animals, and birds, of reptiles and sea creatures, are being tamed and have been tamed by humankind.NHEB — James 3:7

8 But nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.NHEB — James 3:8

9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who are made in the image of God.NHEB — James 3:9

10 Out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.NHEB — James 3:10

11 Does a spring send out from the same opening fresh and bitter water?NHEB — James 3:11

12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, yield olives, or a vine figs? Nor is salt water able to produce sweet.NHEB — James 3:12

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom.NHEB — James 3:13

14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not boast and do not lie against the truth.NHEB — James 3:14

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

16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed.NHEB — James 3:16

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, without hypocrisy.NHEB — James 3:17

18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.NHEB — James 3:18