¹¹ If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.^(A) If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,^(B) so that in all things God may be praised^(C) through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.^(D)

³¹ So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.^(A)

The Armor of God

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord^(A) and in his mighty power.^(B)

¹⁰ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,^(A) as faithful^(B) stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

³⁸ He was in the assembly in the wilderness, with the angel^(A) who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors;^(B) and he received living words^(C) to pass on to us.^(D)

²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,^(A) but only what is helpful for building others up^(B) according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

² Much in every way!^(A) First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God.^(B)

Taming the Tongue

3 Not many of you should become teachers,^(A) my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged^(B) more strictly.^{(C) 2} We all stumble^(D) in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say^(E) is perfect,^(F) able to keep their whole body in check.^(G)

³ When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.^{(H) 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.^(I) Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. ⁶ The tongue also is a fire,^(J) a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body,^(K) sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.^(L)

Listening and Doing

¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters,^(A) take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak^(B) and slow to become angry,