James 3:5-6
What is written? (ESV)
So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
What does it say?
The tongue is also a small part of the body, but able to boast of great things. It’s like a small flame that can torch an entire forest, capable of much evil. The tongue is but one body part that stains the whole body and sets the course of life on fire, itself set on fire by hell.
What is its immediate context?
James practical words to Christians on how to live faithfully. In chapter three, he turns to address those among the brotherhood that might teach others (vs 1) and from here begins to talk about the tongue and its power, particularly for evil. He says that “It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (vs 8).
How James 3:5-6 is applied across Bible answers
Should a Christian use profanity?
The tongue is capable of great harm, even condemning us to hell (Jesus' sentiment4).
James goes on to say in verse 10, "From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so."
