James 3:5

3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal.

4 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.

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.

7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man,

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
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.
KJV
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
WEB
So the tongue is also a little member, and boasts great things. See how a small fire can spread to a large forest!
ASV
So the tongue also is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how much wood is kindled by how small a fire!
DARBY
Thus also the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. See how little a fire, how large a wood it kindles!
BLB
So also the tongue is a small member, and it boasts great [things]. Behold what size a fire, what size a forest it kindles.
ÅB
Så er og tungen et lite lem, og taler dog store ord. Se, en liten ild, hvor stor en skog den setter i brann!
OTB
På samme måte er tungen en liten del av kroppen, men den skryter av store ting. Se hvordan en stor skog kan settes i brann av en liten gnist!
B1930
Så er og tungen et lite lem, og taler dog store ord. Se, en liten ild, hvor stor en skog den setter i brand!

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

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