1Let not many[of you] becometeachers,my brethren,knowingthat as such we will incura stricterjudgment.2For we allstumblein many[ways]. Ifanyonedoes not stumblein what he says,he is a perfectman,ableto bridlethe wholebodyas well.3Nowifwe putthe bitsinto the horses'mouthssothat they will obeyus, we directtheir entirebodyas well.4Lookat the shipsalso,though they are so greatand are drivenby strongwinds,are still directedby a very smallrudderwhereverthe inclinationof the pilotdesires.5Soalsothe tongueis a smallpartof the body, and [yet] it boastsof great things.Seehowgreata forestis set aflameby such a smallfire!6And the tongueis a fire,the [very] worldof iniquity;the tongueis setamongour membersas that which defilesthe entirebody,and setson firethe courseof [our] life,and is set on fireby hell.7For everyspeciesof beastsand birds,of reptilesand creatures of the sea,is tamedand has been tamedby the humanrace.8But no onecantamethe tongue;[it is] a restlessevil[and] fullof deadlypoison.9With it we bless[our] Lordand Father,and with it we cursemen,who have been madein the likenessof God;10from the samemouthcome[both] blessingand cursing.My brethren,these thingsoughtnot to be this way.11Does a fountainsendout from the sameopening[both] freshand bitter[water]?12Cana fig tree,my brethren,produceolives,ora vineproducefigs?Nor[can] saltwaterproducefresh.
13Whoamongyou is wiseand understanding?Let him showby his goodbehaviorhis deedsin the gentlenessof wisdom.14But ifyou havebitterjealousyand selfish ambitionin your heart,do not be arrogantand [so] lieagainstthe truth.15Thiswisdomis not that which comes downfrom above,but is earthly,natural,demonic.16For wherejealousyand selfish ambitionexist, thereis disorderand everyevilthing.17But the wisdomfrom aboveis firstpure,thenpeaceable,gentle,reasonable,fullof mercyand goodfruits,unwavering,without hypocrisy.18And the seed whose fruitis righteousnessis sownin peaceby thosewho makepeace.
