1 My brothers, not many of you should choose to become teachers, knowing that you shall receive a stricter judgment.
2 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.
3 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.
4 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.
5 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.
6 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.
7 For the nature of all beasts and birds and serpents and others is ruled over, and has been ruled over, by human nature.