James 3:2-8

Holman Christian Standard Bible

² for we all stumble in many ways.^(A) If anyone does not stumble in what he says,^[a] he is a mature man who is also able to control his whole body.^[b](B)

³ Now when we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us,^(C) we also guide the whole animal.^{[c] 4} And consider ships: Though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. ⁵ So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things.^(D) Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites. ⁶ And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our bodies. It pollutes the whole body,^(E) sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell.

⁷ Every sea creature, reptile, bird, or animal is tamed and has been tamed by man, ⁸ but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.^(F)