The Power of the Tongue
James 3Not many of y’all should become teachers, my siblings, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many ways. Anyone who doesn’t stumble in what they say is a perfect person, able to bridle their entire body. When we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they will obey us, we direct their whole body. Look at the ships too. Though they are large and driven by fierce winds, they are directed by a tiny rudder, wherever the pilot desires. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. See how a small flame can set a large forest ablaze! The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil set among the parts of our body. It defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of our existence, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every species of animal, bird, reptile, and sea creature is tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no human can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse humans who are made in the image of God. Out of the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. My siblings, things should not be this way. Does the same spring pour out fresh and bitter water from the same opening? My siblings, can a fig tree produce olives, or a vine figs? Neither can a salty spring produce fresh water.
True Wisdom
Who among y’all is wise and understanding? Let them show it by their excellent behavior and works done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom. But if y’all have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your* heart, y’all must not boast or lie against the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, natural, and demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.