¹⁸ He chose to give us birth^(A) through the word of truth,^(B) that we might be a kind of firstfruits^(C) of all he created.

Listening and Doing

¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters,^(D) take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak^(E) and slow to become angry, ²⁰ because human anger^(F) does not produce the righteousness that God desires. ²¹ Therefore, get rid of^(G) all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you,^(H) which can save you.

²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.^(I)

³ When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.^{(A) 4} Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. ⁵ Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.^(B) Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. ⁶ The tongue also is a fire,^(C) a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body,^(D) sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.^(E)

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.^(F)

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.^{(G) 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?^(H) Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.