1
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Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. |
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2
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We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body. |
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3
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When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. |
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4
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Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined. |
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5
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In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. |
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6
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The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. |
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7
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All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, |
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8
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but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. |
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9
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With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. |
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10
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Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be! |
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11
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Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? |
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12
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My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. |
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13
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Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. |
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14
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But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. |
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15
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Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. |
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16
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For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. |
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17
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But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. |
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18
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Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness. |
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