Thematic Bible




James 3:1 (show verse)

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more severely than others.

James 3:2 (show verse)

For all of us make many mistakes. If someone does not make any mistakes when he speaks, he is perfect and able to control his whole body.

James 3:3 (show verse)

Now if we put bits into horses' mouths to make them obey us, we can guide their whole bodies as well.

James 3:4 (show verse)

And look at ships! They are so big that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are steered by a tiny rudder wherever the helmsman directs.

James 3:5 (show verse)

In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, yet it can boast of great achievements. A huge forest can be set on fire by a little flame.

James 3:6 (show verse)

The tongue is a fire, a world of evil. Placed among the parts of our bodies, the tongue contaminates the whole body and sets on fire the course of life, and is itself set on fire by hell.

James 3:7 (show verse)

For all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures can be or have been tamed by humans,

James 3:8 (show verse)

but no one can tame the tongue. It is an uncontrollable evil filled with deadly poison.

James 3:9 (show verse)

With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in God's likeness.

James 3:10 (show verse)

From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. It should not be like this, my brothers!

James 3:11 (show verse)

A spring cannot pour both fresh and brackish water from the same opening, can it?

James 3:12 (show verse)

My brothers, a fig tree cannot produce olives, nor a grapevine figs, can it? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

James 3:13 (show verse)

Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his noble conduct that his actions are done humbly and wisely.

James 3:14 (show verse)

But if you have bitter jealousy and rivalry in your hearts, stop boasting and slandering the truth.

James 3:15 (show verse)

That kind of wisdom does not come from above. No, it is worldly, self-centered, and demonic.

James 3:16 (show verse)

For wherever jealousy and rivalry exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil.

James 3:17 (show verse)

However, the wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, willing to yield, full of compassion and good deeds, and without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy.

James 3:18 (show verse)

And a harvest of righteousness is grown from the seed of peace planted by peacemakers.