1My brethren, be not many teachers, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
2For in many things we all offend. If any one offend not in speech, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also.
3For when we put the bits into the horses' mouths, that they may obey us, we turn about also their whole body.
4Behold also the ships, which, though they are so great, and driven by fierce winds, are yet turned about with a very small rudder, whithersoever the steersman chooseth.
5So also the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a forest a little fire kindleth!
6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity! The tongue among our members is that which defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the wheel of life, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7For every kind of beasts and of birds, of creeping things and things in the sea, is tamed and hath been tamed by mankind;
8but the tongue can no man tame; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9Therewith bless we the Lord and Father, and therewith curse we men, who have been made after the likeness of God;
10out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11Doth a fountain from the same opening send forth sweet water and bitter?
12Can a fig-tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a vine, figs? Neither can salt water yield fresh.
13Who is wise and endued with knowledge among you P let him show out of a good course of conduct his works in meekness of wisdom.
14But if ye have bitter rivalry and strife in your hearts, do not glory and lie against the truth.
15This wisdom is not that which descendeth from above, but earthly, sensual, devilish.
16For where there is rivalry and strife, there is confusion and every evil work.
17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, without hypocrisy.
18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.