James 3:2 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

² For we all make mistakes in many areas [of life]. If anyone does not make a mistake in what he says, he is a perfect person, capable of keeping a tight rein on his whole life also.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

² For 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.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

² For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature.

American Standard Version (1901)

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

Common English Bible

² We all make mistakes often, but those who don’t make mistakes with their words have reached full maturity. Like a bridled horse, they can control themselves entirely.

Catholic Public Domain Version

² For we all offend in many ways. If anyone does not offend in word, he is a perfect man. And he is then able, as if with a bridle, to lead the whole body around.

James 3:2 Cross References

James 1:26

If anyone considers himself to be religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, this person is self-deceived and his religion is worthless.

1 Peter 3:10

For [Psalm 39:12 says], “The person who loves [his] life and wants to have happy days, should avoid saying anything bad or deceptive.

Matthew 12:37

For you will be considered righteous by the words [you speak] and you will be condemned by the words [you speak].”

Romans 3:10

as it is written [Psa. 14:1ff; 53:1ff], “No one [always] does what is right; not even one person.

James 1:4

And you [should] allow your perseverance to complete its work, so that you will be perfect and complete, [and] not lacking in anything.

James 2:10

For, whoever observes the entire law [of God] and yet breaks one requirement [of it], becomes guilty of [breaking] all of it.

1 Corinthians 9:27

But I work out and get my body in shape [i.e., spiritually], so that after preaching to other people, I myself do not become disqualified [i.e., for winning the prize from God. See verse 24].

Hebrews 13:21

equip you with every good deed for doing God’s will. [May He] work in us [to accomplish] what is very pleasing in His sight through [the power of] Jesus Christ. May there be praise to Him forever and ever. May it be so.

Colossians 4:12

Epaphras, who is one of you [See 1:7; 4:9], a slave of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always struggles in his prayers on your behalf so that you will remain mature and be fully convinced [that you are living] by all that God wants [for your life].

Colossians 1:28

We proclaim Him, warning and teaching every person with all wisdom, so that we may present every person [to God] complete in [their fellowship with] Christ.

Galatians 3:22

But the Scriptures indicate that everything [i.e., everyone] is under the control of sin, so that the promise [of never ending life] could be available [only] to those who have faith in Jesus Christ.

Romans 7:21

So, I find this principle [at work]: [Although] I want to do what is good, evil is [always] present [and often wins out].

1 Peter 5:10

And the God who bestows every unearned favor [upon His people], who invited you to partake of His eternal splendor through Christ Jesus, will restore, confirm, strengthen and stabilize you people [in the faith], after you have gone through a brief time of suffering.

Galatians 5:17

For what your body wants is in conflict with what the Holy Spirit wants [for you], and what the Holy Spirit wants conflicts with what your body wants, for these [two desires] are contrary to one another, so that you do not [always] do what you [really] want to.

Matthew 12:34

You children of snakes! Since you are evil, how do you expect to speak good things? For the mouth speaks what the heart is filled with.