⁵ Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.^(A) Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. ⁶ The tongue also is a fire,^(B) a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body,^(C) sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.^(D)

⁷ All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, ⁸ but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.^(E)

⁹ With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.^{(F) 10} Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. ¹¹ Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? ¹² My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?^(G) Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Saved in Order to Do Good

3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities,^(A) to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,^{(B) 2} to slander no one,^(C) to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

³ At one time^(D) we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness^(E) and love of God our Savior^(F) appeared,^{(G) 5} he saved us,^(H) not because of righteous things we had done,^(I) but because of his mercy.^(J) He saved us through the washing^(K) of rebirth and renewal^(L) by the Holy Spirit,

¹³ Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority:^(A) whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, ¹⁴ or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong^(B) and to commend those who do right.^{(C) 15} For it is God’s will^(D) that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.^{(E) 16} Live as free people,^(F) but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil;^(G) live as God’s slaves.^{(H) 17} Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers,^(I) fear God, honor the emperor.^(J)

³ now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.^(A)