Read the Bible

Taming the Tongue

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 the 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.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.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.⁷ All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man,⁸ but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.⁹ With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.¹⁰ Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!¹¹ Can both fresh water and bitter water flow from the same spring?¹² My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

The Wisdom from Above

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.¹⁴ But if you harbor in your hearts bitter jealousy and selfish ambition, do not boast in it or deny the truth.¹⁵ Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.¹⁶ For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.¹⁸ Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.