² We all stumble^(A) in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say^(B) is perfect,^(C) able to keep their whole body in check.^(D)

³ When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.^{(E) 4} Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. ⁵ Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.^(F) Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. ⁶ The tongue also is a fire,^(G) a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body,^(H) sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.^(I)

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.^(J)

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.^{(K) 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?^(L) Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

²⁵ Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully^(A) to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.^{(B) 26} “In your anger do not sin”^[a]:^(C) Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold.^{(D) 28} Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work,^(E) doing something useful with their own hands,^(F) that they may have something to share with those in need.^(G)

²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,^(H) but only what is helpful for building others up^(I) according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,^(J) with whom you were sealed^(K) for the day of redemption.^{(L) 31} Get rid of^(M) all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.^{(N) 32} Be kind and compassionate to one another,^(O) forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.^(P) 5 ¹ Follow God’s example,^(Q) therefore, as dearly loved children^{(R) 2} and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us^(S) and gave himself up for us^(T) as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.^(U)

³ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality,^(V) or of any kind of impurity, or of greed,^(W) because these are improper for God’s holy people. ⁴ Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk^(X) or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.^{(Y) 5} For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater^(Z)—has any inheritance^(AA) in the kingdom of Christ and of God.^{[b](AB) 6} Let no one deceive you^(AC) with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath^(AD) comes on those who are disobedient.^{(AE) 7} Therefore do not be partners with them.

⁸ For you were once^(AF) darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light^{(AG) 9} (for the fruit^(AH) of the light consists in all goodness,^(AI) righteousness and truth) ¹⁰ and find out what pleases the Lord.^{(AJ) 11} Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness,^(AK) but rather expose them. ¹² It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ¹³ But everything exposed by the light^(AL) becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. ¹⁴ This is why it is said:

¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live^(AP)—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity,^(AQ) because the days are evil.^{(AR) 17} Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.^{(AS) 18} Do not get drunk on wine,^(AT) which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,^{(AU) 19} speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.^(AV) Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ always giving thanks^(AW) to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.