James warns that not many should become teachers, since teachers will be judged more strictly. The tongue is a small member but can set a great forest on fire, and no one can tame it. Wisdom from above is pure, peaceable and gentle.
1 My brethren , be not many masters , knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation .
2 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 .
3 Behold , we put bits in the horses ' mouths , that they may obey us ; and we turn about their whole body .
4 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 .
5 Even so the tongue is a little member , and boasteth great things . Behold , how great a matter a little fire kindleth !
6 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 .
7 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 :
8 But the tongue can no man tame ; it is an unruly evil , full of deadly poison .
9 Therewith bless we God , even the Father ; and therewith curse we men , which are made after the similitude of God .
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing . My brethren , these things ought not so to be .
11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter ?
12 Can the fig tree , my brethren , bear olive berries ? either a vine , figs ? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh .
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you ? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom .
14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts , glory not , and lie not against the truth .
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above , but is earthly , sensual , devilish .
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work .
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure , then peaceable , gentle , and easy to be intreated , full of mercy and good fruits , without partiality , and without hypocrisy .
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace .