The In-Dept Study of the Bible
James 03
1 Let not many of you be teachers, my
brothers, knowing that we will receive
heavier judgment.
2 For we all stumble in many things.
Anyone who doesn’t stumble in word is
a perfect person, able to bridle the whole
body also.
3 Indeed, we put bits into the horses’
mouths so that they may obey us, and we
guide their whole body.
4 Behold,† the ships also, though they are
so big and are driven by fierce winds, are
yet guided by a very small rudder,
wherever the pilot desires.
5 So the tongue is also a little member,
and boasts great things. See how a small
fire can spread to a large forest!
6 And the tongue is afire. The worldofiniquity
among our members is the tongue,
which defiles the whole body, and sets on
fire the course of nature, and is set on fire
by Gehenna.‡
7 For every kindof animal, bird, creeping
thing, and sea creature is tamed, and has
been tamed by mankind;
8 but nobody can tame the tongue. It is a
restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With it we bless our God and Father,
and with it we curse men who are made in
the image of God.
10 Out of the same mouth comes blessing
and cursing. My brothers, these things
ought not to be so.
11 Does a spring send out from the same
opening fresh and bitter water?
12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, yield
olives, or a vine figs? Thus no spring yields
both salt water and fresh water.
13 Who is wise and understanding
among you? Let him show by his
good conduct that his deeds are
done in gentleness of wisdom.
14 But if you have bitter jealousy and
selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast
and don’t lie against the truth.
15 This wisdom is not that which comes
down from above, but is earthly, sensual,
and demonic.
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition
are, there is confusion and every evil deed.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is
first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable,
full of mercy and good fruits, without
partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown
in peace by those who make peace.