Loading…
The New International Version
Restore columns
Exit Fullscreen

Taming the Tongue

3 Not many of you should become teachers,e my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judgedf more strictly.g We all stumbleh 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

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.l 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. Likewise, 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. The 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

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

With 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. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?s Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Two Kinds of Wisdom

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show itt by their good life, by deedsu done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambitionv in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.w 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heavenx but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.y 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition,z there you find disorder and every evil practice.

17 But the wisdom that comes from heavena is first of all pure; then peace-loving,b considerate, submissive, full of mercyc and good fruit, impartial and sincere.d 18 Peacemakerse who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.f

NIV

About The New International Version

The NIV is the world’s most read and trusted contemporary English Bible translation. It follows the principle of "dynamic equivalence" to ensure crystal clear understandable English. The NIV is the most readable English Bible ever produced.

Copyright

Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 Biblica, Inc.™

Used by Permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

“New International Version” and “NIV” are registered trademarks of Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission.

The NIV® text may be quoted in any form (written, visual, electronic or audio), up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without the express written permission of the publisher, providing the verses quoted do not amount to a complete book of the Bible nor do the verses quoted account for twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the total text of the work in which they are quoted.

Notice of copyright must appear on the title or copyright page as follows:

“Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.”

The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

When quotations from the NIV® text are used by a local church in non-saleable media such as church bulletins, orders of service, posters, overhead transparencies, or similar materials, a complete copyright notice is not required, but the initials (NIV®) must appear at the end of each quotation.

Any commentary or other biblical reference work produced for commercial sale, that uses the NIV® text must obtain written permission for use of the NIV® text.

Permission requests for commercial use within the USA and Canada that exceeds the above guidelines must be directed to, and approved in writing by The Zondervan Corporation, 5300 Patterson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49530, USA. www.Zondervan.com

Permission requests for commercial use within the UK, EU and EFTA that exceeds the above guidelines must be directed to, and approved in writing by Hodder & Stoughton Limited, 338 Euston Road, London NW1 3BH, United Kingdom. www.Hodder.co.uk

Permission requests for non-commercial use that exceeds the above guidelines must be directed to, and approved in writing by Biblica US, Inc., 1820 Jet Stream Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921, USA. www.Biblica.com

Any Internet addresses (websites, blogs, etc.) and telephone numbers printed in this Bible are offered as a resource. They are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement by Zondervan, nor does Zondervan vouch for the content of these sites and numbers for the life of the Bible.

Support Info

niv2011

Table of Contents