| Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. | Then keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. |
| But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. | Rather, professing truth and love, we will in all things grow into him who is the head, Christ. |
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| But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. | When you pray do not go on babbling endlessly as the pagans do, for they believe that they are more likely to be heard because of their many words. |
| Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. | The tongue has the power over life and death; those who cherish it will enjoy its fruits. |
| A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. | A good man produces good from the store of goodness in his heart, whereas an evil man produces evil from the store of evil within him. For the mouth speaks from the abundance of the heart. |
| Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. | Let no foul word ever pass your lips. Say only what is useful for edification, so that your words may benefit your listeners. |
| He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. | He who guards his mouth makes his life secure, but one who talks excessively ensures his own downfall. |
| Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. | Do not repay evil with evil or abuse with abuse. On the contrary, repay with a blessing. This is what you were called to do, so that you might inherit a blessing. |
| A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. | A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but an undisciplined tongue crushes the spirit. |
| For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. | For all of us fall short in many ways. Anyone who never makes a mistake in speech has reached perfection and is able to control every part of his body. |
| Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. | Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; if he closes his lips, he is regarded as intelligent. |
| But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. | I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to render an account for every careless word they utter. |
| Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. | Remember this, my beloved brethren: everyone should be quick to listen but slow to speak and slow to anger. |
| In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. | Where many words are spoken, sin is not absent, but whoever restrains his tongue is prudent. |
| Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. | Speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves, and defend the rights of the destitute. |
| A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! | A man is joyful when he utters apt answers, and even more satisfying is a word in season. |
| A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. | A gentle reply turns away wrath, but a harsh word arouses anger. |
| My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. | Dear children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. |
| The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. | The words of a wise man win favor, but a fool’s tongue is his undoing. |
| A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. | One who gossips reveals secrets, but a trustworthy man keeps things hidden. |
| Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. | Out of the same mouth flow blessings and curses. This should not be so, my brethren. |
| Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day. | My mouth is filled with your praises as I relate your glory all day long. |
| Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. | If your brother wrongs you, go and take up the matter with him when the two of you are alone. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. |
| Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. | Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops. |
| Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. | Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of your opportunity. Let your speech always be gracious and seasoned with wisdom, so that you will know how to respond properly to all. |
