Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool; even less are lies fitting for a ruler. | Fine words are not becoming to a fool, and much less are false words to a noble. |
Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. | Turn away from the mouth that deceives and keep your distance from lips that mislead. |
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All who fear the Lord will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech. | The fear of the Lord implies hatred of evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil ways and perverse speech. |
Let my teaching fall on you like rain; let my speech settle like dew. Let my words fall like rain on tender grass, like gentle showers on young plants. | Let my teaching fall down like rain, and my words descend like the dew. Like rain upon the sprouts, and like showers upon the grass. |
The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. | The heavens proclaim the glory of God; the firmament shows forth the work of his hands. One day imparts that message to the next, and night conveys that knowledge to night. |
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. | Dear children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. |
Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. | 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. |
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. | Let no one regard you with contempt because of your youth, but serve as an example to the believers in your speech and conduct, in your love, your faith, and your purity. |
Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. | Where many words are spoken, sin is not absent, but whoever restrains his tongue is prudent. |
For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” | For: “If anyone wishes to love life and to experience good days, he must restrain his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn away from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.” |
Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. | 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. |
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. | Let no foul word ever pass your lips. Say only what is useful for edification, so that your words may benefit your listeners. |
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. | Speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves, and defend the rights of the destitute. |