² For ^(A)we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, ^(B)he is a perfect man, ^(C)able also to bridle his whole body. ³ If we put ^(D)bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. ⁴ Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, 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 ^(E)it boasts of great things.

How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! ⁶ And ^(F)the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, ^(G)staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life,^[a] and set on fire by hell.^{[b] 7} For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, ⁸ but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, ^(H)full of deadly poison. ⁹ With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people ^(I)who are made in the likeness of God. ¹⁰ From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers,^[c] these things ought not to be so. ¹¹ Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? ¹² Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.

What Is the Measure of My Days?

To the choirmaster: to ^(A)Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.

³⁶ I tell you, ^(A)on the day of judgment ^(B)people will give account for ^(C)every careless word they speak, ³⁷ for ^(D)by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”