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1 My brethren! Do not many become teachers, knowing that we shall be subjected to greater condemnation;

2 For we all sin much. Whoever does not sin in word is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body.

3 Behold, we put the bit in the mouths of the horses, that they may obey us, and we govern their whole body.

4 Behold, the ships, however great they are, and however strong the winds may be tossed, are steered whither the helmsman willeth with a small rudder;

5 So also the tongue is a small member, but it does a lot. Look, a small fire ignites so much substance!

6 And the tongue is fire, the adornment of iniquity; The tongue is in such a position among our members that it defiles the whole body and inflames the circle of life, being itself inflamed with hell.

7 For every nature of beasts, and of birds, and of creeping things, and of the beasts of the sea, is tamed, and is tamed by the nature of man,

8 But no man can tame the tongue: it is an irrepressible evil; it is full of deadly poison.

9 With it we bless God and the Father, and with it we curse men, who are created in the likeness of God.

10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and curse: Thou shalt not, my brethren, so be it.

11 Does sweet and bitter water flow from the same opening of the spring?

12 My brethren, the fig tree cannot bring olives, nor the vine figs. Likewise, even one spring cannot pour out salt and sweet water.

13 If any of you is wise and prudent, prove it in fact by good conduct with wise meekness.

14 But if in your heart you have bitter envy and quarrelsomeness, do not boast or lie against the truth.

15 This is not wisdom that comes down from above, but earthly, soulful, demonic,

16 For where there is envy and contention, there is disorder and all evil.

17 But the wisdom that comes down from above is first pure, then peaceable, humble, obedient, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and without hypocrisy.

18 But the fruit of righteousness in the world is sown among those who keep peace.