THE BOOK OF JAMES |
Chapter Three
Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren,
knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in
many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able
to bridle the whole body as well. Now if we put the bits into the horses' mouths
so that they may obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Behold, the ships
also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still
directed by a very small rudder, wherever the inclination of the pilot desires.
So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great
things. Behold, how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the
tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our
members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of
our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of
reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by the human
race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly
poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father; and with it we curse men, who have
been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and
cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain
send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my
brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Neither can salt water produce
fresh.
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
2012-11-23