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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

James 3:1–13

A connected passage, with study helps kept beside the verses they explain.

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected

James 3:1

1MY brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

James 3:2

2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

James 3:3

3Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

James 3:4

4Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

James 3:5

5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

James 3:6

6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

James 3:7

7For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

James 3:8

8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

James 3:9

9Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

James 3:10

10Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

James 3:11

11Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

James 3:12

12Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

James 3:13

13Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

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DEFINED WORDS

James 3:1

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

brethren

Brothers; near kindred; fellow Israelites; or fellow believers, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

many

A great number; numerous persons or things.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

masters

Persons who rule, own, teach, or exercise authority over others.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

knowing

Perceiving, understanding, recognizing, or being acquainted with; also having knowledge or skill.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

receive

To take, accept, admit, welcome, or obtain what is given or presented.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

condemnation

The act or sentence of declaring guilty and liable to judgment; the state, cause, or result of being condemned.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

DEFINED WORDS

James 3:2

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

many

A great number; numerous persons or things.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

offend

To transgress, sin, displease, or injure; to cause oneself or another to stumble, fall, or be drawn into sin.

Meaning drawn from: Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

all

Wholly, entirely, or altogether; every one or the whole amount, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

any

One, some, or every member or amount of an indefinite number or quantity, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

man

A human being; an adult male; a person, husband, servant, or representative, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

word

A spoken or written expression; a saying, message, command, promise, account, or matter.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

perfect

Finished; complete; consummate; not defective; having all that is requisite to its nature and kind.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

able

Having physical power sufficient; having competent power or strength, bodily or mental.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

whole

Entire, complete, or undivided; also sound or restored to health, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

body

A physical body; a corpse; or an organized whole composed of members, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

DEFINED WORDS

James 3:3

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

put

To place, set, lay, appoint, bring into a condition, or cause to be, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

bits

The iron part of a bridle which is inserted in the mouth of a horse, and its appendages, to which the reins are fastened.

Meaning drawn from: Approved KJV word-family definition · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

horses

Large hoofed animals used for riding, drawing chariots, and war.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

mouths

The opening used for eating and speaking; also an opening, edge, command, or testimony by extension.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

obey

To hear with submission and do what is commanded; to comply with authority or instruction.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

turn

To change direction, position, condition, purpose, or allegiance; to cause such a change.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

about

Around, concerning, near, or engaged in; on every side or approximately, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

whole

Entire, complete, or undivided; also sound or restored to health, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

body

A physical body; a corpse; or an organized whole composed of members, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

DEFINED WORDS

James 3:4

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

driven

To drive: to impel, force, urge, or move onward.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

fierce

Vehement; violent; furious; rushing; impetuous.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

winds

Breath; power of respiration. Air in motion with any degree of velocity, indefinitely; a current of air.

Meaning drawn from: Approved KJV word-family definition · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

turned

Moved in a circle; changed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

about

Around, concerning, near, or engaged in; on every side or approximately, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

helm

The instrument by which a ship is steered; by figure, control or direction.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

governor

A ruler, chief officer, or person entrusted with authority over others.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

DEFINED WORDS

James 3:5

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

matter

A subject, affair, cause, or thing under consideration; also material substance, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

fire

Flame and burning heat; figuratively, fiery trial, judgment, zeal, or anger; to kindle or burn.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

James 3:6

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

fire

Flame and burning heat; figuratively, fiery trial, judgment, zeal, or anger; to kindle or burn.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

members

Limbs or subordinate parts of bodies; individual constituents belonging to larger bodies.

Meaning drawn from: Approved KJV word-family definition · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

whole

Entire, complete, or undivided; also sound or restored to health, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

body

A physical body; a corpse; or an organized whole composed of members, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

setteth

To place, fix, appoint, establish, or prescribe; also fixed or determined.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

course

So also out uf course, out of order. In its general sense, a passing; a moving, or motion forward, in a direct or curving line; applicable to any body or substance, solid or fluid.

Meaning drawn from: Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828 · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

nature

The inherent constitution, character, or order of a thing; what belongs to it by origin or birth.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

set

To place, fix, appoint, establish, or prescribe; also fixed or determined.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

James 3:7

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

every

Each one of all; all taken separately, without exception in the stated group.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

tamed

Reclaimed from wildness; domesticated; made gentle; subdued.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

mankind

The human race; human beings collectively.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

DEFINED WORDS

James 3:8

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

but

However; introducing a contrast with what precedes.

Meaning drawn from: Skeat 1893 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

man

A human being; an adult male; a person, husband, servant, or representative, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

tame

To subdue, restrain, or bring under control; also to make a wild creature gentle or accustomed to man.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

unruly

Not readily governed, restrained, or controlled; disorderly or unmanageable.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

poison

A substance which, when taken into the stomach, mixed with the blood or applied to the skin or flesh, proves fatal or deleterious by an action not mechanical; venom.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

DEFINED WORDS

James 3:9

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

bless

To pronounce or bestow good, favor, or happiness; to praise, thank, or glorify God.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

God

A deity or object of worship; when referring to the LORD, the one true God.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

even

Indeed or precisely; adding emphasis to what follows.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

curse

To utter a wish of evil against one; to imprecate evil upon; to call for mischief or injury to fall upon; to execrate.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

after

Later than, behind, following, or in pursuit of, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

similitude

Likeness; resemblance; likeness in nature, qualities of appearance; a likeness; Comparison, parable.

Meaning drawn from: Bullokar 1616 · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

James 3:10

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

Out

Outside, away from within, forth, absent, or no longer in a stated condition.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

mouth

The opening used for eating and speaking; also an opening, edge, command, or testimony by extension.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

blessing

The act or words of pronouncing good; divine favor; or a benefit bestowed by God.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

brethren

Brothers; near kindred; fellow Israelites; or fellow believers, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

ought

Should or is bound to; expresses duty, fitness, or necessity.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

DEFINED WORDS

James 3:11

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

place

A location, position, room, occasion, office, or passage, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

sweet

Pleasing to the smell; fragrant. Pleasing to the eye; beautiful.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

water

The common liquid necessary for life; as a verb, to supply with water, irrigate, or cause to drink.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

bitter

Sharp to the feeling; piercing; painful; that makes to smart.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

DEFINED WORDS

James 3:12

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

brethren

Brothers; near kindred; fellow Israelites; or fellow believers, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

bear

To carry, support, endure, produce, bring forth, or sustain, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

yield

To produce or give forth; to give, surrender, submit, grant, or allow, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

salt

A mineral substance used for seasoning and preservation; figuratively, a preserving or purifying influence.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

water

The common liquid necessary for life; as a verb, to supply with water, irrigate, or cause to drink.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

fresh

New or newly supplied; not stale, faded, or exhausted; sometimes moist or vigorous.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

DEFINED WORDS

James 3:13

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

wise

Having knowledge, discernment, sound judgment, prudence, or skill.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

man

A human being; an adult male; a person, husband, servant, or representative, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

shew

To show; to make visible, reveal, declare, or make known.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

out

Outside, away from within, forth, absent, or no longer in a stated condition.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

good

That which is right, beneficial, pleasing, useful, or morally upright.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

works

Acts, deeds, labours, or things produced; also acts or operates.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

wisdom

Sound judgment and the right use of knowledge; skill, discernment, or understanding.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

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From verse 1

  1. 1 Timothy 1:7
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  2. Luke 12:47–48
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  3. 1 Peter 5:3
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  4. 1 Corinthians 12:28
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  5. Matthew 23:13
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From verse 2

  1. James 1:26
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  2. Proverbs 13:3
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  3. 1 Peter 3:10
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  4. Matthew 12:37
    Study this reference
  5. Psalms 34:13
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From verse 3

  1. Psalms 32:9
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  2. Psalms 39:1
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  3. James 1:26
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  4. 2 Kings 19:28
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  5. Isaiah 37:29
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From verse 4

  1. Matthew 8:24
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  2. Acts 27:14–38
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  3. Psalms 107:25–27
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  4. Jonah 1:4
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From verse 5

  1. Proverbs 18:21
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  2. Jeremiah 9:3–8
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  3. Proverbs 12:18
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  4. Proverbs 15:2
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  5. Psalms 17:10
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From verse 6

  1. Psalms 120:2–3
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  2. Proverbs 16:27
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  3. Mark 7:15
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  4. Matthew 15:11–20
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  5. Proverbs 15:1
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From verse 7

  1. Mark 5:4
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From verse 8

  1. Romans 3:13
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  2. Psalms 140:3
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  3. Psalms 55:21
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  4. James 3:6
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  5. Psalms 57:4
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From verse 9

  1. Psalms 10:7
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  2. Genesis 1:26–27
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  3. Isaiah 29:13
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  4. Psalms 62:4
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  5. Genesis 9:6
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From verse 10

  1. Romans 12:14
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  2. 1 Peter 3:9
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  3. Psalms 50:16–20
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  4. 1 Corinthians 3:3
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  5. 1 Timothy 5:13
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From verse 12

  1. Luke 6:43–44
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  2. Matthew 12:33
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  3. Matthew 7:16–20
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  4. Jeremiah 2:21
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  5. Romans 11:16–18
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From verse 13

  1. Galatians 5:23
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  2. James 3:17
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  3. Matthew 5:5
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  4. Colossians 3:12
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  5. 1 Peter 2:12
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