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.

³⁴ You brood of vipers,^(A) how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks^(B) what the heart is full of. ³⁵ A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. ³⁶ But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. ³⁷ For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”^(C)

¹⁵ Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice^(A) of praise—the fruit of lips^(B) that openly profess his name.

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ^(A) rule in your hearts, since as members of one body^(B) you were called to peace.^(C) And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ^(D) dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom^(E) through psalms,^(F) hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.^{(G) 17} And whatever you do,^(H) whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks^(I) to God the Father through him.