1 My brethren, be not many teachers, knowing that we shall receive the greater judgment. condemnation: or, judgment

2 For in many things we all offend. If any man stumble not in word, the same is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

4 Behold also the ships, which though they are so great, and are driven by fierce winds, yet they are turned about with a very small helm, wherever the pilot willeth.

5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! a matter: or, wood

6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire from hell. course: Gr. wheel

7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of creatures in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed by mankind: kind: Gr. naturemankind: Gr. nature of man

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

9 With it we bless God, even the Father; and with it we curse men, who are made after the similitude of God.

10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? place: or, hole

12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? or a vine, figs? so no fountain can yield both salt water and fresh.

13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show by a good behaviour his works with meekness of wisdom.

14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. sensual: or, natural

16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. confusion: Gr. tumult, or, unquietness

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. partiality: or, wrangling

18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by them that make peace.