7 We humans are able to tame and have tamed all other creatures—wild animals and birds, reptiles and fish. 8  But no one has ever been able to tame the tongue. It is evil and uncontrollable, full of deadly poison. 9  We use it to give thanks to our Lord and Father and also to curse other people, who are created in the likeness of God. 

10  Words of thanksgiving and cursing pour out from the same mouth. My friends, this should not happen! 

11 No spring of water pours out sweet water and bitter water from the same opening. 12  A fig tree, my friends, cannot bear olives; a grapevine cannot bear figs, nor can a salty spring produce sweet water.