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