² For ^(A)we all stumble in many things. ^(B)If anyone does not stumble in word, ^(C)he is a ^[a]perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. ^3 [b]Indeed, ^(D)we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. ⁴ Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. ⁵ Even so ^(E)the tongue is a little member and ^(F)boasts great things.

See how great a forest a little fire kindles! ⁶ And ^(G)the tongue is a fire, a world of ^[c]iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it ^(H)defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of ^[d]nature; and it is set on fire by ^[e]hell. ⁷ For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. ⁸ But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, ^(I)full of deadly poison. ⁹ With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made ^(J)in the ^[f]similitude of God. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. ¹¹ Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? ¹² Can a ^(K)fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? ^[g]Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.

Prayer for Wisdom and Forgiveness

To the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.

³⁶ But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. ³⁷ For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”