James 3:4 Explained in Context

Verse 1. ¹ My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

Verse 2. ² For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

Verse 3. ³ Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

Verse 4. ⁴ Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

Verse 5. ⁵ Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

Verse 6. ⁶ And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue 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.

Verse 7. ⁷ For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

Verse 8. ⁸ But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

Verse 9. ⁹ Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

Verse 10. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

Verse 11. ¹¹ Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

Verse 12. ¹² Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.