James · Chapter 3
James 3
Berean Standard Bible · Public domain · Source credits
Taming the Tongue
(Psalms 64:1–10)
1Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
2We 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.
3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal.
4Consider 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.
5In 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.
6The 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.*
7All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man,
8but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.
10Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!
11Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?*
12My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.*
The Wisdom from Above
13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
14But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth.
15Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
16For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.
17But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
18Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.*
Source notes
Old Testament references
References from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. Text from the Berean Standard Bible.
Malachi 2:12As for the man who does this, may the LORD cut off from the tents of Jacob everyone who is awake and aware—even if he brings an offering to the LORD of Hosts.
Leviticus 10:3Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent.
Ezekiel 3:17“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.
Ezekiel 3:18If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, and I will hold you responsible for his blood.
Ezekiel 33:7As for you, O son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word from My mouth and give them the warning from Me.
Ezekiel 33:8If I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ but you do not speak out to dissuade him from his way, then that wicked man will die in his iniquity, yet I will hold you accountable for his blood.
Ezekiel 33:9But if you warn the wicked man to turn from his way, and he does not turn from it, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved your life.
1 Kings 8:46When 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 6:36When 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 20:9Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am cleansed from my sin”?
Ecclesiastes 7:20Surely there is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.
Isaiah 64:6Each 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.