⁷ All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, ⁸ but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.^(A)

⁹ With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.^{(B) 10} Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. ¹¹ Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? ¹² My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?^(C) Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Two Kinds of Wisdom

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it^(D) by their good life, by deeds^(E) done in the humility that comes from wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition^(F) in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.^{(G) 15} Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven^(H) but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.^{(I) 16} For where you have envy and selfish ambition,^(J) there you find disorder and every evil practice.

¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven^(K) is first of all pure; then peace-loving,^(L) considerate, submissive, full of mercy^(M) and good fruit, impartial and sincere.^{(N) 18} Peacemakers^(O) who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.^(P)