1 My brothers, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in utterance, the same is a mature man and able also to bridle the whole body. *
3 we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 See also the ships, which though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, yet are they turned around with a very small rudder, wherever the pilot moves the wheel. *
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. How great a matter a little fire kindles!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 In this bless we God, even the Father; and in this curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. *
10 Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not so to be.
11 Does a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
12 Can the fig tree, my brothers, bear olive berries? Either a vine, figs? So can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. *
13 Who is a wise man and intelligent, experienced, expert, with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good whole manner of life his works with meekness of wisdom.
14 But if you have bitter envying and strife in your innermost minds, don't glory, and don't lie against the truth.
15 This wisdom does not descend from above but is earthly, sensual, and devilish.
16 For where envying and strife is there is confusion and every evil work.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of those who make peace.