James 3 — MSB

3Verse 1Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.^{Verse 2}We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.^{Verse 3}Indeed, when we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal.^{Verse 4}Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined.^{Verse 5}In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze.^{Verse 6}The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.^{Verse 7}All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man,^{Verse 8}but no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.^{Verse 9}With the tongue we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.^{Verse 10}Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!^{Verse 11}Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?^{Verse 12}My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? In the same way, no spring can produce both salt water and fresh water.^{Verse 13}Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.^{Verse 14}But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth.^{Verse 15}Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.^{Verse 16}For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.^{Verse 17}But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.^{Verse 18}Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.