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So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits.

How great a forest is set ablaze by a such a small fire!(A) And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of life, and is itself set on fire by hell.[a](B) For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue—a restless[b] evil, full of deadly poison.(C) With it we bless the Lord[c] and Father, and with it we curse people, made in the likeness of God.(D) 10 From the same mouth comes a blessing and a curse. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so.

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Footnotes

  1. 3.6 Gk Gehenna
  2. 3.8 Other ancient authorities read uncontrollable
  3. 3.9 Other ancient authorities read God

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. 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)

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.(E)

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.

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