1 M y brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.

2 F or we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

3 I ndeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body.

4 L ook also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.

5 E ven so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!

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

7 F or every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.

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

9 W ith it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.

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

11 D oes a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?

12 C an a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh. Heavenly Versus Demonic Wisdom

13 W ho is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

14 B ut if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.

15 T his wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

16 F or where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

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

18 N ow the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.