| Chapter 3 |
1 |
Be not many teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive greater judgment. -
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2 |
For we all often offend. If any one offend not in word, he [is] a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body too. -
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3 |
Behold, we put the bits in the mouths of the horses, that they may obey us, and we turn round their whole bodies. -
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4 |
Behold also the ships, which are so great, and driven by violent winds, are turned about by a very small rudder, wherever the pleasure of the helmsman will. -
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5 |
Thus also the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. See how little a fire, how large a wood it kindles! -
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6 |
and the tongue [is] fire, the world of unrighteousness; the tongue is set in our members, the defiler of the whole body, and which sets fire to the course of nature, and is set on fire of hell. -
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7 |
For every species both of beasts and of birds, both of creeping things and of sea animals, is tamed and has been tamed by the human species; -
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8 |
but the tongue can no one among men tame; [it is] an unsettled evil, full of death-bringing poison. -
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9 |
Therewith bless we the Lord and Father, and therewith curse we men made after [the] likeness of God. -
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10 |
Out of the same mouth goes forth blessing and cursing. It is not right, my brethren, that these things should be thus. -
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11 |
Does the fountain, out of the same opening, pour forth sweet and bitter? -
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12 |
Can, my brethren, a fig produce olives, or a vine figs? Neither [can] salt [water] make sweet water. -
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13 |
Who [is] wise and understanding among you; let him shew out of a good conversation his works in meekness of wisdom; -
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14 |
but if ye have bitter emulation and strife in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. -
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15 |
This is not the wisdom which comes down from above, but earthly, natural, devilish. -
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16 |
For where emulation and strife [are], there [is] disorder and every evil thing. -
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17 |
But the wisdom from above first is pure, then peaceful, gentle, yielding, full of mercy and good fruits, unquestioning, unfeigned. -
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18 |
But [the] fruit of righteousness in peace is sown for them that make peace. -
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