1MY brethren, do not allow doubtful teachers among you; but know, that we are under a great judgment. 2For in many things we all stumble. Anyone who does not offend in word, this one is a perfect man, and able also to subdue his whole body. 3Behold, we put bits into the mouths of horses, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4Behold also the ships, great as they are, when driven by severe winds, they are turned about with a very small rudder, wherever the pilot wishes. 5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Likewise, a small fire sets ablaze the large forests. 6The tongue is a fire, and the sinful world like a forest: that very tongue, while it is among our members, can defile our whole body, and set on fire the records of our race which have rolled down from the beginning: and in the end it is consumed by fire. 7For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of creatures of the sea and of the land are under the subjugation of the will of man. 8But the tongue no man can tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9By it we bless the LORD and the Father; and by it we curse men, who are made in the image of God: 10Out of the same mouth proceed curses and blessings. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11Can there spring forth from the same fountain, both sweet water and bitter water? 12Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olives? Or the vine, figs? likewise also salt water cannot be made sweet.

13Who is wise among you and has training? let him prove his words by his good deeds, in the humbleness of wisdom. 14But if you have bitter envying among you, or strife in your hearts, do not boast and do not lie against the truth. 15This wisdom does not come from above, but it is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16For wherever envy and strife are, there is confusion and every sort of evil. 17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure then full of peace, and gentle, obedient, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by the peacemakers.