1Be not many of you teachers , my brethren, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment . 2For in many things we all stumble . If any stumbleth not in word , the same is a perfect man , able to bridle the whole body also . 3Now if we put the horses ’ bridles into their mouths that they may obey us , we turn about their whole body also . 4Behold , the ships also , though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, are yet turned about by a very small rudder , whither the impulse of the steersman willeth. 5So the tongue also is a little member , and boasteth great things . Behold , how much wood is kindled by how small a fire ! 6And the tongue is a fire : the world of iniquity among our members is the tongue , which defileth the whole body , and setteth on fire the wheel of nature , and is set on fire by hell . 7For every kind of beasts and birds , of creeping things and things in the sea , is tamed , and hath been tamed by mankind: 8but the tongue can no man tame ; it is a restless evil , it is full of deadly poison . 9Therewith bless we the Lord and Father ; and therewith curse we men , who are made after the likeness of God : 10out of the same mouth cometh forth blessing and cursing . My brethren , these things ought not so to be . 11Doth the fountain send forth from the same opening sweet water and bitter ? 12can a fig tree , my brethren, yield olives , or a vine figs ? neither can salt water yield sweet .
Wisdom from Above vs. Earthly Wisdom
13Who is wise and understanding among you ? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom . 14But if ye have bitter jealousy and faction in your heart , glory not and lie not against the truth. 15This wisdom is not a wisdom that cometh down from above, but is earthly , sensual , devilish . 16For where jealousy and faction are , there is confusion and every vile deed . 17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable , gentle , easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits , without variance, without hypocrisy. 18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for them that make peace .