Chapter 3 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the
greater condemnation.
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.
Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us, and we turn about
their whole body.
also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds,
yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor
listeth.
Even so, the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things.
Behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth, and the tongue is of fire,
a world of iniquity.
So is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body,
and setteth on fire the course of nature, and it is set on fire of hell.
For every kind of beast, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea,
is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind.
But the tongue can no man tame.
It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Therewith bless we God, even the Father, and therewith curse we men, which are made
after the similitude of God.
After the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing.
My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries, either a vine,
figs?
So can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh?
Who is a wise man, and endued with knowledge among you?
Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not
against the truth.
This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to
be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without
hypocrisy.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.