(KJV) James 3¹

⥃Taming the Tongue ^{[ Psalms 64:1–10 ]}

[1] My brethren, be² not many masters, knowing³ that we shall receive the greater condemnation⁴. [2] For in⁵ many things we offend all. If⁶ any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect⁷ man, [and] able also to bridle⁸ the whole body. [3] Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.⁹ [4] Behold also the ships, which though [they be] so great, and [are] driven¹⁰ of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. [5] Even so¹¹ the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter¹² a little fire kindleth! [6] And the tongue¹³ [is] a fire, a world¹⁴ 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 is¹⁵ set on fire of hell. [7] For every kind¹⁶ of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed¹⁷, and hath been tamed of mankind¹⁸: [8] But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] an unruly¹⁹ evil, full²⁰ of deadly poison. [9] Therewith²¹ bless²² we God, even the Father; and therewith curse²³ we men, which are made²⁴ after the similitude of God. [10] Out of²⁵ the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these²⁶ things ought not so to be. [11] Doth a fountain send forth at the same place²⁷ sweet [water] and bitter? [12] Can the fig tree²⁸, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so²⁹ [can] no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

⥃The Wisdom from Above

[13] Who [is] a³⁰ wise man and endued³¹ with knowledge among you? let³² him shew out of a good³³ conversation his works with meekness³⁴ of wisdom. [14] But if³⁵ ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory³⁶ not, and lie³⁷ not against the truth. [15] This wisdom³⁸ descendeth not from above, but³⁹ [is] earthly, sensual⁴⁰, devilish⁴¹. [16] For where⁴² envying and strife [is], there⁴³ [is] confusion⁴⁴ and every⁴⁵ evil work. [17] But the wisdom⁴⁶ that is from above is first⁴⁷ pure, then peaceable⁴⁸, gentle⁴⁹, [and] easy to be intreated, full⁵⁰ of mercy and good fruits, without⁵¹ partiality⁵², and without hypocrisy⁵³. [18] And the fruit⁵⁴ of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make⁵⁵ peace.