1 M y brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

2 F or in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

3 B ehold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

4 B ehold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

5 E ven so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

6 A nd the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

7 F or every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

8 B ut the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

but the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

9 T herewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

10 O ut of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

11 D oth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

12 C an the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

13 W ho is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

14 B ut if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

15 T his wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

16 F or where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

17 B ut the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

18 A nd the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.