1 My brothers {adelphoi: fellow believers}, not many of you should take up the role of teachers, since you understand that we will receive a heavier judgment {krima: formal verdict}.
2 For we all trip up in many ways. If someone does not trip in word {logos: spoken speech}, he is a perfect {teleios: fully mature} man, able to bridle his whole body as well.
3 If we put bits {khalinous: small control piece} into the mouths of horses so they will obey us, we can direct their whole body {soma: entire frame}.
4 Consider the ships {ploia: large sea vessels}: though they are massive and propelled by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the impulse {horme: driving force} of the helmsman directs.
5 In the same way, the tongue {glōssa: Instrument of Speech} is a small {mikron: Outwardly Insignificant} part of the body, yet it boasts of great things. Notice how a small fire can set a vast forest ablaze.
6 The tongue is fire; it is a world of unrighteousness. Set among our members, it stains the whole body and sets on fire the whole course of life {genesis: succession of life}; and it is itself set on fire by hell {geenna: place of final judgment}.
7 For every kind {phusis: created category} of wild animals and of birds, of reptiles and of sea creatures {enalion: ocean life}, is being tamed and has been tamed by human nature.
8 But the tongue {glossa: human speech} no one among humans is able to tame; it is an unstable evil, full of deadly poison {iou: destructive toxin}.
9 By that means we proclaim praise to the Lord {Kyrios, Worthy Of Praise} and Father {Pater, Sovereign Guide}, yet by that same means we pronounce curses against people fashioned in the likeness of God {Theos, Creator Of Humanity}.
10 From the same mouth, blessing and cursing both arise. My brothers {adelphoi: fellow believers}, these things ought not to be this way {houtos: in such a manner}.
11 Does the spring {pege: natural water-source} gush forth from the same opening {ope: single outlet} both sweet water and bitter water?
12 My brothers {adelphoi: spiritual family}, can a fig tree produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Neither can salty water produce fresh water {glykys: pleasant-tasting}.
13 Who among you is wise {sophos: skill for godliness} and understanding? Let him demonstrate his works through good conduct {anastrophe: pattern of life} revealed in the meekness of wisdom.
14 But if you have bitter jealousy {zelon: intense jealousy} and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast or lie against the truth {aletheias: reality unveiled}.
15 This is not the wisdom {sophia: counterfeit insight} that comes down from above; it is earthly, soulish {psychike: ruled by natural life}, demonic.
16 For where there is jealousy {zelos: heated rivalry} and selfish ambition {eritheia: self-centered striving}, there is disorder and every evil deed.
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure {hagne: morally clean}, then peace-loving, gentle, willing to yield {eupeithes: open to persuasion}, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit {karpos: visible result} of righteousness is sown in peace {eirene: harmonious relationships} by those who make peace.