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James 3:1\u20138\nNot many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. \u2029\u2029We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. \u2029\u2029When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. \u2029\u2029Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. \u2029\u2029Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. \u2029\u2029The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one\u2019s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. \u2029\u2029All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, \u2029\u2029but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.\n\nEvaluate Your Actions\n\nLuke 6:43\u201345\n\u201cNo good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. \u2029\u2029Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. \u2029\u2029A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.\n\nJames 3:9\u201312\nWith the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God\u2019s likeness. \u2029\u2029Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. \u2029\u2029Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? \u2029\u2029My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.\n\nCultivate Your Heart\n\nLuke 13:6\u20139\nThen he told this parable: \u201cA man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. \u2029\u2029So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, \u2018For three years now I\u2019ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven\u2019t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?\u2019 \u2029\u2029\u201c\xa0\u2018Sir,\u2019 the man replied, \u2018leave it alone for one more year, and I\u2019ll dig around it and fertilize it. \u2029\u2029If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.\u2019\xa0\u201d\n\nJames 3:13\u201318\nWho is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. \u2029\u2029But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. \u2029\u2029Such \u201cwisdom\u201d does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. \u2029\u2029For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. \u2029\u2029But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. \u2029\u2029Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.\n\nSeek Wisdom\n\nMatthew 5:3\u20139\n\u201cBlessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. \u2029\u2029Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. \u2029\u2029Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. \u2029\u2029Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. \u2029\u2029Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.