James 3:2–12

²We all stumble^h in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they sayⁱ is perfect,^j able to keep their whole body in check.^k

³When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.^{l 4}Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. ⁵Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.^m Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. ⁶The tongue also is a fire,ⁿ a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body,^o sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.^p

⁷All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, ⁸but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.^q

⁹With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.^{r 10}Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. ¹¹Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? ¹²My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?^s Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.