THE TONGUE

James 3:1-12 (King James Version)

James 3
1My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

2For 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.

3Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

4Behold 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, whithersoever the governor listeth.

5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

7For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

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

10Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

11Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

12Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS

16 These six things doth the LORD hate;
yea, seven are an abomination unto him:


17 a proud look, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,


18 a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations,
feet that be swift in running to mischief,


19 a false witness that speaketh lies,
and he that soweth discord among brethren.



Warning against Adultery
20 My son, keep thy father's commandment,
and forsake not the law of thy mother:


21 bind them continually upon thine heart,
and tie them about thy neck.


22 When thou goest, it shall lead thee;
when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee;
and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.


23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light;
and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:


24 to keep thee from the evil woman,
from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.


25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart;
neither let her take thee with her eyelids.


26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread:
and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.


27 Can a man take fire in his bosom,
and his clothes not be burned?


28 Can one go upon hot coals,
and his feet not be burned?


29 So he that goeth in to his neighbor's wife;
whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.


30 Men do not despise a thief,
if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;


31 but if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold;
he shall give all the substance of his house.


32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding:
he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.


33 A wound and dishonor shall he get;
and his reproach shall not be wiped away.


34 For jealousy is the rage of a man:
therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.


35 He will not regard any ransom;
neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

ARE YOU A VIRTOUS WOMAN?

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband does safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She seeks wool, and flax, and works willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants' ships; she brings her food from afar.

15 She rises also while it is yet night, and gives meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considers a field, and buys it: with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

17 She girds her loins with strength, and strengthens her arms.

18 She perceives that her merchandise is good: her candle goes not out by night.

19 She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20 She stretches out her hand to the poor; yes, she reaches forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She makes herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.

24 She makes fine linen, and sells it; and delivers girdles to the merchant.

25 Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all.

30 Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

pROVERBS 31 VS 10-31