6 And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our bodies. It pollutes the whole body, s sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by * hell.

7 Every sea creature, reptile, bird, or animal is tamed and has been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. t 9 We praise our u Lord and Father with it, and we curse men who are made in God’s likeness with it. v 10 Praising and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers, these things should not be this way. 11 Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.

The Wisdom from Above

13 Who is wise and has understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom’s gentleness. w 14 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t brag and deny the truth. x 15 Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. y 16 For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil.