James 3:12

Can a fig tree, my friends, bear olives? Or a vine bear figs? No, nor can a brackish well give good water.

Open English Bible (US)

In The King James Version

Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

In Context

11Does a spring give both good and bad water from the same source?

13Who among you claims to be wise and intelligent? They should show that their actions are the outcome of a good life lived in the humility of true wisdom.

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Cross References

Matthew 7:16By the fruit of their lives you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?

Luke 6:43There is no such thing as a good tree bearing worthless fruit, or, on the other hand, a worthless tree bearing good fruit.

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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