James 3:2 net — For we all stumble in many ways. If someone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect individual, able to contr…

NET Bible

"For we all stumble in many ways. If someone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect individual, able to control the entire body as well."

— James 3:2, NET Bible

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James 3:2 in Other Translations

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James 3 — Context

1

The Power of the Tongue Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, because you know that we will be judged more strictly.

2

For we all stumble in many ways. If someone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect individual, able to control the entire body as well.

3

And if we put bits into the mouths of horses to get them to obey us, then we guide their entire bodies.

4

Look at ships too: Though they are so large and driven by harsh winds, they are steered by a tiny rudder wherever the pilot’s inclination directs.

5

So too the tongue is a small part of the body, yet it has great pretensions. Think how small a flame sets a huge forest ablaze.

James 3:2 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does James 3:2 say?
James 3:2 in the NET Bible reads: “For we all stumble in many ways. If someone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect individual, able to control the entire body as well.”
Where is James 3:2 in the Bible?
James 3:2 is found in the New Testament, in the book of James, chapter 3, verse 2.
Who wrote James?
James is traditionally attributed to James, half-brother of Jesus, leader of the Jerusalem church. It was written c. AD 44–49.
What is the book of James about?
James is the New Testament's closest cousin to Old-Testament wisdom literature — pungent, practical, and uncompromising. Faith without works is dead. The tongue is a fire. The prayers of a righteous man avail much. It calls Christians to walk their talk.
What are the major themes of James?
James explores themes including Faith and Works, Wisdom, Speech, Suffering, Prayer. These themes shape the meaning and context of James 3:2.
What translation should I read James 3:2 in?
James 3:2 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize James 3:2?
James 3:2 reads (NET): “For we all stumble in many ways. If someone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect individual, able to control the entire body as well.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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