⁴ Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk^(A) or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.^(B)

⁸ But now you must also rid yourselves^(A) of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander,^(B) and filthy language from your lips.^(C)

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.

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.^(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)

¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances;^(A) for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.