James 3:8

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

Updated King James 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 every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed of mankind:

9Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the embodiment of God.

Read all of James 3

Cross References

Psalms 55:21The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.

Psalms 58:4Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stops her ear;

Psalms 64:3Who sharpen their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:

Ecclesiastes 10:11Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.

James 3:6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of 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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