James 3:8

But the tongue may not be controlled by man; it is an unresting evil, it is full of the poison of death.

Bible in Basic English

In The King James Version

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

In Context

7For every sort of beast and bird and every living thing on earth and in the sea has been controlled by man and is under his authority;

9With it we give praise to our Lord and Father; and with it we put a curse on men who are made in God's image.

Read all of James 3

Cross References

Psalms 55:21\55:20\He has put out his hand against those who were at peace with him; he has not kept his agreement.

Psalms 58:4\58:3\The evil-doers are strange from the first; from the hour of their birth they go out of the true way, saying false words.

Psalms 64:3\64:2\Keep me safe from the secret purpose of wrongdoers; from the band of the workers of evil;

Ecclesiastes 10:11If a snake gives a bite before the word of power is said, then there is no longer any use in the word of power.

James 3:6And the tongue is a fire; it is the power of evil placed in our bodies, making all the body unclean, putting the wheel of life on fire, and getting its fire from hell.

Matthew Henry on James 3:2-13

Government of the Tongue. ( a. d. 61.) 1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 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. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 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,… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study James 3:8