Fluent Translation · Read & Reflect
James 3
The Tongue
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what they say, that person is complete, able to bridle the whole body as well. When we put bits into horses' mouths so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies. Or consider ships: though they are so large and driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, yet it boasts of great things. See how small a fire can set such a great forest ablaze. The tongue is also a fire, a world of unrighteousness among our members. It stains the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is itself set on fire by Gehenna.
Every kind of animal and bird, reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by humankind, but no human being 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 people who are made in the likeness of God. Blessing and cursing come from the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Does a spring pour out both fresh and bitter water from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can salt water produce fresh water.
Wisdom from Above
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let that person show by good conduct their works done in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above. It is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For wherever jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.