1Not many of you should become teachers, because you know that we who teach shall be judged more strictly. 2For in many ways we all stumble. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, that same man is a perfect man, and can also control his whole body, including his tongue. 3We put bits in the mouths of horses, to make them obey us; and by that small bit we can turn their whole body. 4And in a similar fashion, ships, even though they are large and driven by strong winds, can be turned about (steered) with a very small rudder, wherever the helmsman chooses. 5In much the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes grand speeches. Consider how a great forest can be set ablaze by a small spark! 6The tongue is also like a fire, a world of iniquity that can corrupt the entire body, and set someone’s life on fire, like the fire of hell. 7Many kinds of animals, birds, serpents (reptiles), and sea creatures can, and have been, tamed by mankind; 8But his own tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9With the tongue we both bless God, our Lord and heavenly Father; and with it we also curse men, who are made in the likeness of God. 10Out of the same mouth come praises and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be. 11Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12Can the fig tree bear olives? Or a grape vine bear figs? Neither can a spring or fountain yield both salt water and fresh.

13Who is wise and blessed with understanding among you? Let them show it by their godly manner of life - by what they do, with humility and wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not cover the truth of it, or lie about it with vain boasting. 15This ‘wisdom’ does not descend from above (heaven), but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition (strife), there you find disorder, confusion, and every evil practice. 17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is, first of all, pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good deeds, impartial and sincere. 18Those who are peacemakers reap a harvest of righteousness.