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James 3 :: New English Translation (NET)

Jas 3:1Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, because you know that we will be judged more strictly.
Jas 3:2For we all stumble in many ways. If someone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect individual, able to control the entire body as well.
Jas 3:3And if we put bits into the mouths of horses to get them to obey us, then we guide their entire bodies.
Jas 3:4Look at ships too: Though they are so large and driven by harsh winds, they are steered by a tiny rudder wherever the pilot's inclination directs.
Jas 3:5So too the tongue is a small part of the body, yet it has great pretensions. Think how small a flame sets a huge forest ablaze.
Jas 3:6And the tongue is a fire! The tongue represents the world of wrongdoing among the parts of our bodies. It pollutes the entire body and sets fire to the course of human existence - and is set on fire by hell.
Jas 3:7For every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and sea creature is subdued and has been subdued by humankind.
Jas 3:8But no human being can subdue the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
Jas 3:9With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse people made in God's image.
Jas 3:10From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. These things should not be so, my brothers and sisters.
Jas 3:11A spring does not pour out fresh water and bitter water from the same opening, does it?
Jas 3:12Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers and sisters, or a vine produce figs? Neither can a salt water spring produce fresh water.

Wisdom from Above

Jas 3:13Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct he should show his works done in the gentleness that wisdom brings.
Jas 3:14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfishness in your hearts, do not boast and tell lies against the truth.
Jas 3:15Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, natural, demonic.
Jas 3:16For where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is disorder and every evil practice.
Jas 3:17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical.
Jas 3:18And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace.
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Pericope

Pericope taken from the NASB95 and has been graciously provided by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved.

New American Standard Bible
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by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif.
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James Chapter 3 — Additional Translations: