In this study on speech ethics in the New Testament Susanne Luther provides an overview of speech-ethical instructions in New Testament texts: How are we supposed to use speech? In which way can the use of language be characterized as morally good or bad? Subjects pertaining to speech ethics are discussed in particular in the Gospel of Matthew, the Epistles of James and 1 Peter: words spoken in anger, the evil of the tongue, controlled speech, inadequate speech, truthfulness and a person's integrity of word and deed, judging and reprimands. The author uses discourse-analytical methodology to study the discourse relationship between the New Testament and ancient texts and focuses on the discourse positions found in New Testament writings.