Psalm 39^[a]

For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.

² We all stumble^(A) in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say^(B) is perfect,^(C) able to keep their whole body in check.^(D)

³ When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.^{(E) 4} Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. ⁵ Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.^(F) Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. ⁶ The tongue also is a fire,^(G) a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body,^(H) sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.^(I)

⁷ All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, ⁸ but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.^(J)

⁹ With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.^{(K) 10} Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. ¹¹ Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? ¹² My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?^(L) Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

¹⁰ For,