A Restless Evil
Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of oneʼs life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. — James 3:1-8 | The Books of the Bible NT (BOOKS) The Books of the Bible NT Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ® All rights reserved worldwide. Cross References: 2 Chronicles 6:36; Psalm 12:3; Psalm 32:9; Psalm 39:1; Psalm 73:8; Psalm 120:2-3; Psalm 140:3; Proverbs 16:27; Proverbs 17:20; Matthew 11:27; Matthew 23:8; Acts 10:12; Acts 13:1; Acts 27:11; Romans 3:13
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The Tongue, the Bridle, and the Blessing