1 The Tongue Is a Fire Do not, manyof you, become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a 3:1Or greater condemnation stricter judgment.
2 For we all stumble in manyways. If anyone does not stumble in 3:2 Lit word what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the entire body as well.
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 Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, they are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot wills.
5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, andyetit boasts of great things.Behold how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!
6 And the tongue is a fire, theveryworld of unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course ofour 3:6 Or birth existence, and is set on fire by 3:6 Gr Gehenna hell.
7 For every kind of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.
8 But no one can tame the tongue;it isa restless evilandfull of deadly poison.
9 With it we blessourLord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God.
10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
11 Does a fountain pour forth from the same opening 3:11 Lit sweet fresh and bitterwater?
12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Norcansaltwater produce 3:12v11,note 1 fresh.Wisdom from Above
13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good conduct his works in the gentleness of wisdom.
14 But if you have bitter jealousy and 3:14Or strife selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant andsolie against the truth.
15 This wisdom is not coming down from above, but is earthly, 3:15 Or unspiritual natural, demonic.
16 For where jealousy and 3:16 v14,note 1 selfish ambition exist, 3:16 In that place there is disorder and every evil practice.
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruits, without doubting, without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace 3:18 Or for by those who make peace.