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
Cross references
Proverbs 18:21
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Read in contextProverbs 12:18
Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Read in contextJeremiah 9:3–8
“They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD.
Read in contextProverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.
Read in contextPsalms 17:10
They have closed their callous hearts; their mouths speak with arrogance.
Read in contextPsalms 73:8–9
They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression.
Read in contextPsalms 12:2–4
They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart.
Read in contextPsalms 52:1–2
Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The loving devotion of God endures all day long.
Read in context