Taming the Tongue
(Psalm 64:1–10)

1Let not many become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive greater judgment. 2For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in word, this one is a perfect man, able to bridle even the whole body.

3Now if we put bits into the mouths of the horses for them to obey us, we turn about even their whole body. 4Behold also the ships, being so great and being driven by strong winds, are turned about by a very small rudder where the impulse of the one steering intends.

5So also the tongue is a small member, and it boasts great things. Behold what size a fire, what size a forest it kindles. 6And the tongue is a fire, the world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, and setting aflame the course of nature, and itself being set aflame by Gehenna.†

7For every nature both of beasts and of birds, both of creeping things and things of the sea, is subdued and has been subdued by the human race, 8but no one of men is able to subdue the tongue; it is an unstable evil,† full of deadly poison.

9With it we bless the Lord† and Father, and with it we curse men, those having been made according to the likeness of God. 10Out of the same mouth come out blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11Does the spring send forth out of the same opening sweet and bitter?† 12Is a fig tree able, my brothers, to make olives, or a vine, figs? Neither can salt prooduce sweet water.†

The Wisdom from Above

13Who is wise and understanding among you⁺? Let him show it out of the good conduct his works in meekness of wisdom. 14But if you⁺ have bitter jealousy and self-interest in your⁺ heart, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15This is not the wisdom coming down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16For where jealousy and self-interest are, there are disorder and every evil thing.

17But the wisdom from above is indeed first pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and of good fruits, impartial, unhypocritical. 18And the fruit of righteousness in peace is sown by those making peace.†

Footnotes:

6 Or hell
8 BYZ and TR an unruly evil
9 BYZ and TR God
11 Or both fresh water and salt water
12 BYZ and TR No spring can produce both salt water and fresh water
18 Or Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.