James 3:1

Taming the Tongue

1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

James 3:1 in Other Translations

KJV
1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
ESV
1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.
NLT
1 Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly.
MSG
1 Don't be in any rush to become a teacher, my friends. Teaching is highly responsible work. Teachers are held to the strictest standards.
CSB
1 Not many should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment;

James 3:1 In-Context

1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.
4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.
5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

Cross References 3

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