James 3:8
but nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
World English Bible British
In The King James Version
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
In Context
9With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in the image of God.
Cross References
Psalms 55:21His mouth was smooth as butter, but his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.
Psalms 58:4Their poison is like the poison of a snake, like a deaf cobra that stops its ear,
Psalms 64:3who sharpen their tongue like a sword, and aim their arrows, deadly words,
Ecclesiastes 10:11If the snake bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer’s tongue.
James 3:6And the tongue is a fire. The world of iniquity amongst our members is the tongue, which defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by Gehenna.
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 →