Taming the Tongue (Psalm 64:1–10)
1 DRA Be ye not many masters, my brethren, knowing that you receive the greater judgment. BSB BSB: Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
2 DRA For in many things we all offend. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man. He is able also with a bridle to lead about the whole body. BSB BSB: We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.
3 DRA For if we put bits into the mouths of horses, that they may obey us, and we turn about their whole body. BSB BSB: When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal.
4 DRA Behold also ships, whereas they are great, and are driven by strong winds, yet are they turned about with a small helm, whithersoever the force of the governor willeth. BSB BSB: Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined.
5 DRA Even so the tongue is indeed a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold how small a fire kindleth a great wood. BSB BSB: In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze.
6 DRA And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is placed among our members, which defileth the whole body, and inflameth the wheel of our nativity, being set on fire by hell. BSB BSB: The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7 DRA For every nature of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of the rest, is tamed, and hath been tamed, by the nature of man: BSB BSB: All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man,
8 DRA But the tongue no man can tame, an unquiet evil, full of deadly poison. BSB BSB: but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 DRA By it we bless God and the Father: and by it we curse men, who are made after the likeness of God. BSB BSB: With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.
10 DRA Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. BSB BSB: Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!
11 DRA Doth a fountain send forth, out of the same hole, sweet and bitter water? BSB BSB: Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?
12 DRA Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear grapes; or the vine, figs? So neither can the salt water yield sweet. BSB BSB: My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
The Wisdom from Above 13 DRA Who is a wise man, and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew, by a good conversation, his work in the meekness of wisdom. BSB BSB: Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
14 DRA But if you have bitter zeal, and there be contentions in your hearts; glory not, and be not liars against the truth. BSB BSB: But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth.
15 DRA For this is not wisdom, descending from above: but earthly, sensual, devilish. BSB BSB: Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
16 DRA For where envying and contention is, there is inconstancy, and every evil work. BSB BSB: For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.
17 DRA But the wisdom, that is from above, first indeed is chaste, then peaceable, modest, easy to be persuaded, consenting to the good, full of mercy and good fruits, without judging, without dissimulation. BSB BSB: But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
18 DRA And the fruit of justice is sown in peace, to them that make peace. BSB BSB: Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.
Select verses for actions: Enter goes to them and Escape comes back.