Chapter 3
1 Let not many of you be teachers , my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgement.
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 a fire . The world of iniquity amongst 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 kind of 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 amongst 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 .