My brothers, not many of you should choose to become teachers, knowing that you shall receive a stricter judgment
For we all offend in many ways. If anyone does not offend in word, he is a perfect man. And he is then able, as if with a bridle, to lead the whole body around
For so we put bridles into the mouths of horses, in order to submit them to our will, and so we turn their whole body around
Consider also the ships, which, though they are great and may be driven by strong winds, yet they are turned around with a small rudder, to be directed to wherever the strength of the pilot might will
So also the tongue certainly is a small part, but it moves great things. Consider that a small fire can set ablaze a great forest
And so the tongue is like a fire, comprising all iniquity. The tongue, stationed in the midst of our body, can defile the entire body and inflame the wheel of our nativity, setting a fire from Hell
For the nature of all beasts and birds and serpents and others is ruled over, and has been ruled over, by human nature
But no man is able to rule over the tongue, a restless evil, full of deadly poison
By it we bless God the Father, and by it we speak evil of men, who have been made in the likeness of God
From the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so
Does a fountain emit, out of the same opening, both sweet and bitter water
My brothers, can the fig tree yield grapes? Or the vine, figs? Then neither is salt water able to produce fresh water
Who is wise and well-taught among you? Let him show, by means of good conversation, his work in the meekness of wisdom
But if you hold a bitter zeal, and if there is contention in your hearts, then do not boast and do not be liars against the truth
For this is not wisdom, descending from above, but rather it is earthly, beastly, and diabolical
For wherever envy and contention is, there too is inconstancy and every depraved work
But within the wisdom that is from above, certainly, chastity is first, and next peacefulness, meekness, openness, consenting to what is good, a plenitude of mercy and good fruits, not judging, without falseness
And so the fruit of justice is sown in peace by those who make peace