Proverbs 13:3
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
3 Those who guard their mouths preserve their lives;
those who open wide their lips come to ruin.(A)
Proverbs 13:3
New International Version
Proverbs 21:23
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
23 To watch over mouth and tongue
is to keep out of trouble.(A)
Proverbs 21:23
New International Version
Proverbs 18:21
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.(A)
Proverbs 18:21
New International Version
Proverbs 18:7
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
7 The mouths of fools are their ruin,
and their lips a snare to themselves.(A)
Proverbs 18:7
New International Version
James 3:2-12
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
2 For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is mature,[a] able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle.(A) 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. 4 Or look at ships: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 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!(B) 6 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.[b](C) 7 For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, 8 but no one can tame the tongue—a restless[c] evil, full of deadly poison.(D) 9 With it we bless the Lord[d] and Father, and with it we curse people, made in the likeness of God.(E) 10 From the same mouth comes a blessing and a curse. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.
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James 3:2-12
New International Version
2 We all stumble(A) in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say(B) is perfect,(C) able to keep their whole body in check.(D)
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.(E) 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.(F) Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire,(G) a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body,(H) sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.(I)
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.(J)
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.(K) 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?(L) Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
Psalm 39:1
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Psalm 39
Prayer for Wisdom and Forgiveness
To the leader: to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.
1 I said, “I will guard my ways
that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will keep a muzzle on my mouth
as long as the wicked are in my presence.”(A)
Psalm 39:1
New International Version
Psalm 39[a]
For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.
Footnotes
- Psalm 39:1 In Hebrew texts 39:1-13 is numbered 39:2-14.
Proverbs 10:19
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
but the prudent are restrained in speech.(A)
Proverbs 10:19
New International Version
19 Sin is not ended by multiplying words,
but the prudent hold their tongues.(A)
Proverbs 20:19
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
19 A gossip reveals secrets;
therefore do not associate with a babbler.(A)
Proverbs 20:19
New International Version
19 A gossip betrays a confidence;(A)
so avoid anyone who talks too much.
Matthew 12:36-37
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
36 I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
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Matthew 12:36-37
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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.”(A)
James 1:26
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
26 If any think they are religious and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless.(A)
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James 1:26
New International Version
26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues(A) deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.
Proverbs 12:13
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
13 The evil are ensnared by the transgression of their lips,
but the righteous escape from trouble.(A)
Proverbs 12:13
New International Version
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