Proverbs 21:23
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
23 To watch over mouth and tongue
is to keep out of trouble.(A)
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)
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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Proverbs 17:27-28
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
27 One who spares words is knowledgeable;
one who is cool in spirit has understanding.(A)
28 Even fools who keep silent are considered wise;
when they close their lips, they are deemed intelligent.(B)
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 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 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)
James 3:2-13
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.
Two Kinds of Wisdom
13 Who is wise and knowledgeable among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom.(F)
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