James 3:1-12
Taming the Tongue

1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

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

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

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4 Behold also the ships, which though [they be] so great, and [are] driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

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

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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 of hell.

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7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

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

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9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

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

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11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet [water] and bitter?

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

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