1 My friends, not many of you should become teachers, because you know that we who teach will have a heavier responsibility in the judgment. 2 All of us make mistakes in many ways. Anyone who doesn't make mistakes in what they say is truly a good person who can keep the whole body under control. 3 We put bridles into the mouths of horses so that they'll obey us, and we can direct them wherever we want. 4 Look at ships as well: even though they're very big and are driven along by strong winds, they're steered by a very small rudder in the direction the pilot wants to go.

5 In just the same way the tongue is a very small part of the body, but it makes great boasts! Think how a big forest can be set on fire by a very small flame! 6 And the tongue is a fire! The tongue is a world of evil among the parts of the body. It disgraces all you are as a person, and can burn down the whole of your life, since it is set on fire by Gehenna.* Gehenna: the trash dump outside of Jerusalem where fires were used to burn the trash. The word is used symbolically as the endpoint for the wicked. 7 People have tamed all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures, 8 but no one can tame the tongue—it's an evil thing, hard to control, full of deadly poison. 9 We use the same tongue to bless our Lord and Father, as well as to curse people who are made in God's image— 10 blessings and curses come from the same mouth! Friends, it shouldn't be this way! 11 Does a spring send both sweet and bitter water out of the same opening? 12 My friends, a fig tree can't produce olives, and a vine can't produce figs, any more than a salt water spring can produce fresh water!

13 Who among you has wisdom and understanding? Let their good lives demonstrate what they do—doing what is right with wise kindness and consideration.

14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don't boast about it and don't lie against the truth. 15 This kind of “wisdom” doesn't come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 Wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition you'll also find confusion and all kinds of evil practices.

17 However, wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure, and it also brings peace. It is kind and open to reason. It is full of mercy and produces good things. It is genuine and not hypocritical. 18 Those who sow peace will harvest the peace of what is truly right.