^{2 Ref} For we all go wrong in a number of things. If a man never makes a slip in his talk, then he is a complete man and able to keep all his body in control.

^{3 Ref} Now if we put bits of iron into horses' mouths so that they may be guided by us, we have complete control of their bodies.

^{4 Ref} And again ships, though they are so great and are moved by violent winds, are turned by a very small guiding-blade, at the impulse of the man who is using it.

^{5 Ref} Even so the tongue is a small part of the body, but it takes credit for great things. How much wood may be lighted by a very little fire!

^{6 Ref} And the tongue is a fire; it is the power of evil placed in our bodies, making all the body unclean, putting the wheel of life on fire, and getting its fire from hell.

⁷ For every sort of beast and bird and every living thing on earth and in the sea has been controlled by man and is under his authority;

^{8 Ref} But the tongue may not be controlled by man; it is an unresting evil, it is full of the poison of death.

^{9 Ref} With it we give praise to our Lord and Father; and with it we put a curse on men who are made in God's image.

^{10 Ref} Out of the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. My brothers, it is not right for these things to be so.

¹¹ Does the fountain send from the same outlet sweet and bitter water?

^{12 Ref} Is a fig-tree able to give us olives, my brothers, or do we get figs from a vine, or sweet water from the salt sea?

^{13 Ref} Who has wisdom and good sense among you? let him make his works clear by a life of gentle wisdom.