[1] Let not many of you be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will
receive heavier judgment. [2] For in many things we all stumble. If anyone
doesn`t stumble in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the
whole body also. [3] Indeed, we put bits into the horses` mouths so that
they may obey us, and we turn about their whole body. [4] Behold, the ships
also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet turned
about by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires. [5] So the tongue
is also a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how much wood is
kindled by how small a fire! [6] And the tongue is a fire. The world of
iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defiles the whole body, and
sets on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by Gehenna. [7] For
every kind of animal, bird, creeping thing, and thing in the sea, is tamed,
and has been tamed by mankind. [8] But nobody can tame the tongue. It is a
restless evil, full of deadly poison. [9] With it we bless our God and
Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the image of God. [10]
Out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brothers, these
things ought not to be so. [11] Does a spring send forth from the same
opening fresh and bitter water? [12] Can a fig tree, my brothers, yield
olives, or a vine figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh
water. [13] Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show his deeds
done in gentleness of wisdom by his good life. [14] But if you have bitter
jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don`t boast and don`t lie
against the truth. [15] This wisdom is not that which comes down from
above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. [16] For where jealousy and
selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed. [17] But the
wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable,
full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
[18] Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make
peace.