James 3 RA NKJV

James 3:1

My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.

James 3:2

For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

James 3:3

Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body.

James 3:4

Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.

James 3:5

Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!

James 3:6

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.

James 3:7

For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.

James 3:8

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

James 3:9

With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.

James 3:10

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

James 3:11

Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?

James 3:12

Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.

James 3:13

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

James 3:14

But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.

James 3:15

This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

James 3:16

For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

James 3:17

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

James 3:18

Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.