James 3:1-18 NASB20 - Bible AI

¹Do not become teachers in large numbers, my brothers, since you know that we who are teachers will incur a [44]stricter judgment.

²For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in [45]what he says, he is a perfect man, able to [46]rein in the whole body as well.

³Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their whole body as well.

⁴Look at the ships too: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are nevertheless directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot determines.

⁵So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things.

⁵See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!

⁶And the tongue is a fire, the very world of unrighteousness; the tongue is set among [47]our body’s parts as that which defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of our [48]life, and is set on fire by [49]hell.

⁷For every [50]species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human [51]race.

⁸But no one among mankind can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

⁹With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in the likeness of God;

¹⁰from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way.

¹¹Does a spring send out from the same opening both [52]fresh and bitter water?

¹²Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, bear olives, or a vine bear figs? Nor can salt water produce [53]fresh.

Wisdom from Above

¹³Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

¹⁴But if you have bitter jealousy and [54]selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.

¹⁵This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, [55]natural, demonic.

¹⁶For where jealousy and [56]selfish ambition exist, [57]there is disorder and every evil thing.

¹⁷But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, [58]reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, [59]impartial, free of hypocrisy.

¹⁸And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace [60]by those who make peace.