James 3:2

Read in context

James 3:1–4 · Berean Standard Bible

1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

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.

3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal.

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.

Greek words

Data created by STEPBible.org based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0).

Study James 3:2

Read the commentary on James 3

Cross-references

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge lists these related verses. Scripture text comes from the Berean Standard Bible.

1 Kings 8:46

When they sin against You—for there is no one who does not sin—and You become angry with them and deliver them to an enemy who takes them as captives to his own land, whether far or near,

2 Chronicles 6:36

When they sin against You—for there is no one who does not sin—and You become angry with them and deliver them to an enemy who takes them as captives to a land far or near,

Proverbs 20:9

Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”?

Ecclesiastes 7:20

Surely there is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.

Isaiah 64:6

Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.

Romans 3:10

As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one.

Romans 7:21

So this is the principle I have discovered: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.

Galatians 3:22

But the Scripture pronounces all things confined by sin, so that by faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe.

Galatians 5:17

For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.

1 John 1:8

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:10

If we say we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word is not in us.

James 3:5

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.

James 3:6

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.

James 1:26

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.

Psalms 34:13

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.

Proverbs 13:3

He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.

1 Peter 3:10

For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.

James 1:4

Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Matthew 12:37

For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Colossians 1:28

We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

Colossians 4:12

Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God.

Hebrews 13:21

equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:10

And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.

1 Corinthians 9:27

No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.