Taming the Tongue
1
1Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.
2
For 2we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, 3he is a perfect man, 4able also to bridle his whole body.
3
If we put 5bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well.
4
Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.
5
So also the tongue is a small member, yet 6it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!
6
And 7the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, 8staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life,a and set on fire by hell.b
7
For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,
9
With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people 10who are made in the likeness of God.
11
Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?
12
Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.
Wisdom from Above
13
Who is wise and understanding among you? 11By his good conduct let him show his works 12in the meekness of wisdom.
14
But if you have bitter 13jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
16
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
(English Standard Version - The Holy Bible Online)