3We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth.

4And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong.

5In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.

6And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.3:6 Or for it will burn in hell (Greek Gehenna).

7People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish,

8but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.

9Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.

10And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!

11Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water?

12Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.3:12 Greek from salt.

17But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.

18And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.3:18 Or of good things, or of justice.