Nancy,
The passage doesn't mean that all sins are equal in gravity, but only that sin is sin. It is wrong, and needs a savior. Some sins we do just because we are human and we are very imperfect, like when you come home in a bad mood and deal out a nasty attitude to someone. That is venial sin: wrong, but not deadly to your soul. Murder is a mortal sin; it is deadly to the soul. When a sin is of a serious nature, and we do it deliberately, knowing full well that it is wrong, it is a mortal sin.
Stealing can be a mortal or venial sin depending on the circumstances. Either way, those sins need to be confessed and made up for if possible (i.e., give the money back). Saying a bad word is not a mortal sin, so you shouldn't equate it with murder.
Hope that helps,
Peace,
Bob Kirby
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