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.
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.
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him
shew 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 intreated, 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.
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