BSB · Scripture
James 3
Berean Standard Bible
Section headings and translator notes come from the publisher; they are reading aids, distinct from the Bible text.
Taming the Tongue
Verse1Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
Verse2We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.
Verse3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal.
Verse4Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined.
Verse5In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze.
Verse6The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
Verse7All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man,
Verse8but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
Verse9With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.
Verse10Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!
Verse11Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?
Verse12My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
The Wisdom from Above
Verse13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
Verse14But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth.
Verse15Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
Verse16For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.
Verse17But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
Verse18Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.
Translator notes (4)
- Verse 6: Greek Gehenna
- Verse 11: Literally Can both fresh and bitter
- Verse 12: Literally Neither can salt
- Verse 18: Literally But the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those making peace.