| 章 |
| 3:1 |
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.
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| 3:2 |
For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle.
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| 3:3 |
If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies.
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| 3:4 |
Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.
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| 3:5 |
So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire!
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| 3:6 |
And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell.
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| 3:7 |
For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species,
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| 3:8 |
but no one can tame the tongue-- a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
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| 3:9 |
With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God.
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| 3:10 |
From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so.
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| 3:11 |
Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water?
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| 3:12 |
Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.
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| 3:13 |
Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom.
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| 3:14 |
But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth.
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| 3:15 |
Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish.
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| 3:16 |
For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind.
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| 3:17 |
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy.
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| 3:18 |
And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.
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