James 3

Taming the Tongue

(Psalms 64:1–10)

¹ Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.1 ² We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.3

³ When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. ⁴ Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined.

⁵ In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze.1 ⁶ The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

⁷ All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, ⁸ but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.1

⁹ With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!1 ¹¹ Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? ¹² My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

The Wisdom from Above

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.1 ¹⁴ But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth.1 ¹⁵ Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.1 ¹⁶ For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.1

¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.1 ¹⁸ Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.