²⁶ If any think they are religious and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless.^(A)

²¹ Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.^(A)

Rules for the New Life

²⁵ So then, putting away falsehood, let each of you speak the truth with your neighbor, for we are members of one another.^{(A) 26} Be angry but do not sin;^[a] do not let the sun go down on your anger, ²⁷ and do not make room for the devil. ²⁸ Those who steal must give up stealing; rather, let them labor, doing good work with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy. ²⁹ Let no evil talk come out of your mouths but only what is good for building up,^[b] as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption.^{(B) 31} Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice.^(C)

The Living Stone and a Chosen People

2 Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander.^(A)

⁸ But now you must get rid of all such things: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive^[a] language from your mouth.^(A)