James 3:8

But no man is able to rule over the tongue, a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

Catholic Public Domain Version

In The King James Version

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

In Context

7For the nature of all beasts and birds and serpents and others is ruled over, and has been ruled over, by human nature.

9By it we bless God the Father, and by it we speak evil of men, who have been made in the likeness of God.

Read all of James 3

Cross References

Psalms 58:4For behold, they have seized my soul. The strong have rushed upon me.

Psalms 64:3Hear my prayer: all flesh will come to you.

Ecclesiastes 10:11Whoever slanders in secret is nothing less than a snake that bites silently.

James 3:6And so the tongue is like a fire, comprising all iniquity. The tongue, stationed in the midst of our body, can defile the entire body and inflame the wheel of our nativity, setting a 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 →

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