MY brethren, be not many teachers, knowing that we shall receive a
severer judgment. (2)For in many things we all offend. If any man
offend not in word, he is a perfect man, and capable of reining in the
whole body. (3)Behold, we put bits into the horses' mouths, that they
may obey us, and we turn about their whole body. (4)Behold also the
ships, though so great, and driven by tempestuous winds, are turned
about by the smallest rudder, whithersoever the inclination of the
pilot pleaseth. (5)So also the tongue is a little member, and proudly
vaunts. Behold how great a pile of wood, a little fire kindleth! (6)And
the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: in such manner is the tongue
placed among our members, that it defileth all the body, and setteth on
fire the circle of nature; and is set on fire of hell. (7)For every
species of wild beasts, and also of birds, of reptiles, and even of
fishes, is tamed, and hath also been tamed by human ingenuity: (8)but
the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly
poison. (9)With it we bless God even the Father; and with the same we
curse men, though after the likeness of God. (10)Out of the same mouth
goeth forth blessing and cursing. These things, my brethren, ought not
to be thus. (11)Doth a fountain from the same aperture spout forth
sweet water and bitter? (12)Can a fig-tree, my brethren, produce
olives; or a vine figs? so also can no fountain send forth salt water
and sweet.
(13)Who is a wise man and intelligent among you, let him shew in a
becoming conduct his works with the meekness of wisdom. (14)But if ye
have bitter envy and contention in your heart, boast not, and lie not
against the truth. (15)This is not the wisdom which cometh from above,
but is earthly, sensual, diabolical. (16)For where envy and contention
dwell, there is tumult and every vile deed. (17)But the wisdom from
above is first pure, then peaceable, meek, easily persuadable, full of
mercy and good fruits, impartial, and void of dissimulation. (18)But
the fruit of righteousness in peace is sown for those who are
peacemakers.