[1] Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, for you know that we
who teach shall be judged with greater strictness. [2] For we all make many
mistakes, and if any one makes no mistakes in what he says he is a perfect
man, able to bridle the whole body also. [3] If we put bits into the mouths
of horses that they may obey us, we guide their whole bodies. [4] Look at
the ships also; though they are so great and are driven by strong winds,
they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot
directs. [5] So the tongue is a little member and boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! [6] And the tongue is a
fire. The tongue is an unrighteous world among our members, staining the
whole body, setting on fire the cycle of nature, and set on fire by hell.
[7] For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be
tamed and has been tamed by humankind, [8] but no human being can tame the
tongue--a restless evil, full of deadly poison. [9] With it we bless the
Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of
God. [10] From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brethren, this
ought not to be so. [11] Does a spring pour forth from the same opening
fresh water and brackish? [12] Can a fig tree, my brethren, yield olives,
or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh. [13] Who is wise
and understanding among you? By his good life let him show his works in the
meekness of wisdom. [14] But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish
ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. [15] This
wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual,
devilish. [16] For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be
disorder and every vile practice. [17] But the wisdom from above is first
pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good
fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity. [18] And the harvest of
righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
