James 3 - Amplified Bible(AMP)

The Tongue Is a Fire

1Not many should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we will be judged by a higher standard.

2For we all stumble and sin in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle his whole body and rein in his entire nature.

3Now if we put bits into the horses’ mouths to make them obey us, we guide their whole body as well.

4And look at the ships. Even though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the helmsman determines.

5In the same sense, the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things.

See how great a forest is set on fire by a small spark!

6And the tongue is a fire, the very world of injustice and unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our members as that which contaminates the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is itself set on fire by hell (Gehenna).

7For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and sea creatures, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race.

8But no one can tame the human tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

9With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God.

10Out of the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. These things, my brothers, should not be this way.

11Does a spring send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?

12Can a fig tree, my brothers, produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.

Wisdom from Above

13Who among you is wise and intelligent? Let him by his good conduct show his deeds with the gentleness and humility of true wisdom.

14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant, and be in defiance of the truth.

15This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly (secular), natural (unspiritual), even demonic.

16For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing and morally degrading practice.

17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without hypocrisy.

18And the seed whose fruit is righteousness (spiritual maturity) is sown in peace by those who make peace.