1 My brethren, bee not many masters, knowing that we shall receiue the greater condemnation.
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bittes in the horses mouthes, that they may obey vs, and we turne about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driuen of fierce windes, yet are they turned about with a very small helme, whithersoeuer the gouernour listeth.
5 Euen so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things: behold, how great a matter a litle fire kindleth.
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquitie: so is the tongue amongst our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature, and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For euery kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind.
8 But the tongue can no man tame, it is an vnruly euill, ful of deadly poyson.
9 Therewith blesse wee God, euen the Father: and therewith curse wee men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing: my brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Doeth a fountaine send foorth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
12 Can þe figtree, my brethren, beare oliue berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountaine both yeeld salt water & fresh.
Jas 3:1-12
All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).