7. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind,
8. but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.
10. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
11. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?
12. My brothers and sisters, can a fig-tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
13. Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
14. But if you harbour bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.
15. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.