# James 3 [[James 2|←]] • [[James 4|→]] --- ### 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 a perfect man, 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 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 a tongue a fire, 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; an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. ### 9 Therewith we bless God, even the Father; and therewith we curse 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 and bitter? ### 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. ### 13 Who 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 earthly, sensual, devilish. ### 16 For where envying and strife there confusion and every evil work. ### 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, 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 them of that make peace.