James 3
The
Tongue |
| 1 |
My brethren, be not many masters, knowing
that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
|
| 2 |
For in many things we offend all. If any
man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
|
| 3 |
Behold, we put bits in the horses'
mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole
body.
|
| 4 |
Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet
are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the
governor listeth.
|
| 5 |
Even so the tongue is a little member,
and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire
kindleth!
|
| 6 |
And the tongue is a fire, a
world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it
defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature;
and it is set on fire of hell.
|
| 7 |
For every kind of beasts, and of birds,
and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been
tamed of mankind:
|
| 8 |
but the tongue can no man tame; it
is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
|
| 9 |
Therewith bless we God, even the Father;
and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of
God. Gen. 1.26
|
| 10 |
Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing
and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
|
| 11 |
Doth a fountain send forth at the same
place sweet water and bitter?
|
| 12 |
Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive
berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield
salt water and fresh.
|
The Wisdom from
Above |
| 13 |
Who is a wise man and endued
with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation
his works with meekness of wisdom.
|
| 14 |
But if ye have bitter envying and strife
in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
|
| 15 |
This wisdom descendeth not from above,
but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
|
| 16 |
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
|
| 17 |
But the wisdom that is from above is
first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated,
full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without
hypocrisy.
|
| 18 |
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in
peace of them that make peace.
|
