James 3:1-3. Abuse of the tongue: Let not many of
you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that you will
receive a greater judgment. For in many things we all offend. If anyone does
not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.
For if we put bits into horses’ mouths that they may obey us, we control their
whole body also.
James 3:5-10. Abuse of the tongue: So the tongue also is a little member, but it boasts
mightily. Behold, how small a fire---how great a forest it kindles! And the
tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity. The tongue is placed among our
members, defiling the whole body, and setting on fire the course of our life,
being itself set on fire by hell. For every kind of beasts, and bird, and of
serpents, and the rest, is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind; but the tongue
no man can tame---a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless God the
Father; and with it we curse men, who are made after the likeness of God. Out
of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing.