- A perverse man sows strife,
and a tale-bearer destroys close friendships. - The one who leads a blameless life
and does what is right,
who speaks the truth from the heart
and does not slander anyone,
who does not harm a friend
and does not scorn a neighbor. - One who gossips reveals secrets,
but a trustworthy man keeps things hidden. - Let no foul word ever pass your lips. Say only what is useful for edification, so that your words may benefit your listeners.
- With his mouth the godless man seeks to ruin his neighbor,
but knowledge enables the righteous to be delivered. - Lying lips conceal hatred,
and anyone who slanders another is a fool. - Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and utter all kinds of calumnies against you for my sake.
- Are you not aware that wrongdoers will never inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, sodomites, thieves, extortioners, drunkards, slanderers, swindlers—none of these will inherit the kingdom of God.
- Then keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from telling lies. - A wholesome tongue is a tree of life,
but an undisciplined tongue crushes the spirit. - The whispers of a gossiper are tasty morsels
that corrode one’s inner being.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress, so that I stand unshaken.