Key Verse Spotlight
James 3:6 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" And the tongue is a fire. The world of iniquity among 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. "
James 3:6
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
4 Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires.
5 So the tongue is also a little member, and boasts great things. See how a small fire can spread to a large forest!
6 And the tongue is a fire. The world of iniquity among 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.
7 For every kind of animal, bird, creeping thing, and sea creature is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind;
8 but nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
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James 3:1
"Let not many of you be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment."
James 3:2
"For we all stumble in many things. Anyone who doesn’t stumble in word is a perfect person, able to bridle the whole body also."
James 3:3
"Indeed, we put bits into the horses’ mouths so that they may obey us, and we guide their whole body."
James 3:4
"Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires."
James 3:5
"So the tongue is also a little member, and boasts great things. See how a small fire can spread to a large forest!"
James 3:7
"For every kind of animal, bird, creeping thing, and sea creature is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind;"
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