James 3:9
We use the same tongue to bless our Lord and Father, as well as to curse people who are made in God's image—
Free Bible Version
In The King James Version
In Context
8but no one can tame the tongue—it's an evil thing, hard to control, full of deadly poison.
10blessings and curses come from the same mouth! Friends, it shouldn't be this way!
Cross References
Genesis 1:26God said, “Let us make human beings in our image who are like us. They will have authority over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over the whole of the earth and every creature that moves on it.”
Genesis 9:6Whoever sheds the blood of a human being will have their blood shed by human beings. For God made human beings in his image.
2 Samuel 16:5As King David arrived at the town of Bahurim, a man from Saul's family was just leaving. His name was Shimei, son of Gera, and he was shouting out curses as he came.
1 Chronicles 29:10Then David praised the Lord before the whole assembly: “Praise to you, Lord, the God of Israel our father, for ever and ever!
Psalms 10:7Their speech is full of cursing, lies, and threats; their tongues are always ready to spread trouble and cause evil.
Psalms 30:12so I can sing praises to you and not keep quiet. Lord my God, I will thank you forever!
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 →