1My brethren, be not many teachers, knowing that we shall receive greater condemnation. 2For in many things we offend all. If any one offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3Behold we put bits into the horses mouths, that they may obey us, and we turn about their whole body. 4Behold also the ships, tho' they are so great, and driven by fierce winds, yet are turned about by a very small helm, whithersoever the pilot listeth. 5So the tongue also is a little member, yet boasteth great things. Behold how much matter a little fire kindleth. 6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: it is the tongue among the members which defileth the whole body and setteth on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire of hell. 7For every kind both of wild beasts and of birds, both of reptiles and things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed by mankind. 8But the tongue can no man tame: it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9Therewith bless we God the Father, and therewith curse we man, made after the likeness of God. 10Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11Doth a fountain send out of the same place sweet water and bitter? 12Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries, or a vine figs? So can no fountain yield salt water and fresh. 13Who is a wise and knowing man among you? Let him shew by a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14But if ye have bitter zeal and strife in your hearts, do not glory and lie against the truth. 15This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, animal, devilish. 16For where bitter zeal and strife is, there is unquietness and every evil work. 17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, 18without partiality and without dissimulation, And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for them that make peace.