 1 My family+, not many of you should be teachers+, knowing that we who are will receive greater judgment+. 2 For in many things we all offend. If anyone does not offend in word, then they are perfect~ and able also to bridle the whole body. Proverbs 13:3 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths so that they will obey us, and thus we turn their whole body. 4 Behold the ships, also. Although they are so large+ and driven by fierce winds, yet are they turned with a very small rudder+, to whatever course+ the one who steers wills it to go. 5 Even so, the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. Behold how great a matter a little fire kindles. Matthew 12:35 6 The tongue can set on fire a whole world of iniquity. Thus is the tongue set among our members so that it can defile the whole body and set on fire the course of nature. And, it is set on fire by Hell. Proverbs 16:27 7 For every kind of beast and bird and serpent and sea creature can be subdued+ and has been subdued+ by mankind. 8 However no one is able to subdue+ the tongue of an unruly+ evil+ person full of deadly poison. Proverbs 16:28 9 With the tongue one can bless God the Father and with the tongue one can curse men who are made in the likeness+ of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My family+, these things should not be. 11 Does a fountain send forth sweet and bitter at the same place? 12 Can the fig tree, my family+, produce+ olives? Or can a vine produce figs? Likewise+, no fountain can yield both salt water and fresh. 13 Who is wise and endowed+ with knowledge among you? Let them show their works out of a good conversation~ and conduct, with meekness of wisdom. 14 However, if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, do not boast+ and lie against the truth. 15 This false wisdom does not descend from above, but it is earthly, sensual, and devilish. 16 For where there is envy and strife, there is confusion and every evil work. Proverbs 10:12 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and yielding+, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
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