James 3:4
2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal.
Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined.
5 In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze.
6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined.
- KJV
- Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
- WEB
- Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires.
- ASV
- Behold, the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, are yet turned about by a very small rudder, whither the impulse of the steersman willeth.
- DARBY
- Behold also the ships, which are so great, and driven by violent winds, are turned about by a very small rudder, wherever the pleasure of the helmsman will.
- BLB
- Behold also the ships, being so great and being driven by strong winds, are turned about by a very small rudder where the impulse of the one steering intends.
- ÅB
- Se, også skipene, enda de er så store og drives av sterke vinder, styres dog av et lite ror dit styrmannen vil ha dem.
- OTB
- Tenk også på skip: til tross for deres størrelse og at de drives av sterke vinder, styres de av et svært lite ror dit piloten ønsker.
- B1930
- Se, også skibene, enda de er så store og drives av sterke vinder, styres dog av et lite ror dit styrmannen vil ha dem.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Matthew 8:24
Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was engulfed by the waves; but Jesus was sleeping.
Read in contextPsalms 107:25–27
For He spoke and raised a tempest that lifted the waves of the sea.
Read in contextActs 27:14–38
But it was not long before a cyclone called the Northeaster swept down across the island.
Read in context