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.