James Chapter 3 (Index)

001  My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

002  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.

003  Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

004  Behold 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.

005  Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

006  And the tongue is a 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.

007  For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

008  But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

009  Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

010  Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

011  Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

012  Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

013  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.

014  But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

015  This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

016  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

017  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.

018  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.