• 1. My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receiue the greater condemnation.
  • 2. For in many things we sinne all. If any man sinne not in word, he is a perfect man, and able to bridle all the body.
  • 3. Beholde, we put bittes into the horses mouthes, that they should obey vs, and we turne about all their bodie.
  • 4. Behold also the shippes, which though they be so great, and are driuen of fierce windes, yet are they turned about with a very small rudder, whither soeuer the gouernour listeth.
  • 5. Euen so the tongue is a litle member, and boasteth of great things: beholde, howe great a thing a litle fire kindleth.
  • 6. And the tongue is fire, yea, a worlde of wickednesse: so is the tongue set among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature, and it is set on fire of hell.
  • 7. For the whole nature of beasts, & of birds, and of creeping things, and things of the sea is tamed, and hath bene tamed of the nature of man.
  • 8. But the tongue can no man tame. It is an vnruly euill, full of deadly poyson.
  • 9. Therewith blesse we God euen the Father, and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
  • 10. Out of one mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing: my brethren, these things ought not so to be.
  • 11. Doeth a fountaine send forth at one place sweete water and bitter?
  • 12. Can ye figge tree, my brethren, bring forth oliues, either a vine figges? so can no fountaine make both salt water and sweete.
  • 13. Who is a wise man & endued with knowledge among you? let him shew by good conuersation his workes in meekenesse of wisdome.
  • 14. But if ye haue bitter enuying and strife in your hearts, reioyce not, neither be liars against the trueth.
  • 15. This wisedome descendeth not from aboue, but is earthly, sensuall, and deuilish.
  • 16. For where enuying and strife is, there is sedition, and all maner of euill workes.
  • 17. But the wisedome that is from aboue, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easie to be intreated, full of mercie & good fruites, without iudging, and without hipocrisie.
  • 18. And the fruite of righteousnesse is sowen in peace, of them that make peace.