1My brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers, because we who teach will be judged more strictly.
2We all make many mistakes. If anyone can control what they say, they are a perfect person, able to control their whole body as well.
3Indeed, we put bits into horses' mouths to make them obey us, and we can control their whole body.
4Look at ships too; even though they are very large and are driven by strong winds, a very small rudder guides them wherever the pilot wants.
5In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts about great things. See how a small fire can set a large forest ablaze!
6The tongue is a fire, a world of evil among our body parts. It contaminates the whole body, sets the entire course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7Every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and sea creature can be tamed and has been tamed by humans.
8But no human can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9With our tongue, we bless our God and Father, and with the same tongue, we curse people who were made in God's likeness.
10Blessings and curses come from the same mouth. My brothers, this should not happen.
11Does a spring produce both fresh and bitter water from the same opening?
12My brothers, can a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? A spring cannot produce both salty and fresh water.
13If there is anyone among you who is wise and understanding, they should show it by living a good life, doing good deeds with the humility that comes from wisdom.
14But if your heart is filled with bitter jealousy and selfish ambition, don't brag about your wisdom or lie in opposition to the truth.
15This kind of wisdom doesn't come from heaven; instead, it is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.
16Because wherever jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there you will find disorder and every kind of evil.
17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is, first of all, pure; then it is peaceful, gentle, and reasonable. It is full of mercy and produces good fruit. It is impartial and sincere.
18Those who work for peace plant seeds of righteousness, and they will produce a harvest of peace.