James

The Tongue

My brothers and sisters, don’t all aim to be teachers! You know that, as teachers, we will be judged more strictly;

in fact, we make mistakes like everyone else. A person who commits no offense in speech is perfect and capable of controlling the entire self. 

We put a bit in the horse’s mouth to control it, and with this, we steer its entire body. 

The same holds true for ships: no matter how large they are, strong winds may push them, but a small rudder guides their direction wherever the will of the pilot directs. 

Similarly, the tongue is a tiny part of the body, yet it can accomplish great things. A small flame can ignite a vast forest. 

The tongue is like a flame; it is, in itself, a whole world of evil. It corrupts the entire being and sets our world ablaze with Gehenna. 

Wild animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures of every kind have been tamed by the human species, 

but no human being can tame the tongue; it is an untiring whip, full of deadly poison. 

We use it to bless God our Father, and also to curse those made in God’s likeness. 

From the same mouth come both blessing and curse. Brothers and sisters, this should not be the case. 

Can both fresh and saltwater gush from the same source? 

Can a fig tree produce olives or a grapevine give figs? No more can salt water yield fresh. 

Authentic Wisdom

If you see yourself as wise and knowledgeable, show it through your good life, and let your actions, with humility, serve as an example for others.

But if your heart is full of bitter jealousy and ambition, do not try to show off; that would be hiding the truth. 

This kind of wisdom does not come from above but from the world, and it is earthly and devilish. 

Wherever jealousy and ambition exist, discord and everything evil will also be present.

Instead, the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of compassion and good deeds, impartial and sincere. 

Peacemakers who sow peace will reap a harvest of justice.