James 3 — NETB

3Verse 1Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, because you know that we will be judged more strictly.^{Verse 2}For we all stumble in many ways. If someone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect individual, able to control the entire body as well.^{Verse 3}And if we put bits into the mouths of horses to get them to obey us, then we guide their entire bodies.^{Verse 4}Look at ships too: Though they are so large and driven by harsh winds, they are steered by a tiny rudder wherever the pilot’s inclination directs.^{Verse 5}So too the tongue is a small part of the body, yet it has great pretensions. Think how small a flame sets a huge forest ablaze.^{Verse 6}And the tongue is a fire! The tongue represents the world of wrongdoing among the parts of our bodies. It pollutes the entire body and sets fire to the course of human existence – and is set on fire by hell.^{Verse 7}For every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and sea creature is subdued and has been subdued by humankind.^{Verse 8}But no human being can subdue the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.^{Verse 9}With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse people made in God’s image.^{Verse 10}From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. These things should not be so, my brothers and sisters.^{Verse 11}A spring does not pour out fresh water and bitter water from the same opening, does it?^{Verse 12}Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers and sisters, or a vine produce figs? Neither can a salt water spring produce fresh water.

True Wisdom

^{Verse 13}Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct he should show his works done in the gentleness that wisdom brings.^{Verse 14}But if you have bitter jealousy and selfishness in your hearts, do not boast and tell lies against the truth.^{Verse 15}Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, natural, demonic.^{Verse 16}For where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is disorder and every evil practice.^{Verse 17}But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical.^{Verse 18}And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace.