James 3:4

And again ships, though they are so great and are moved by violent winds, are turned by a very small guiding-blade, at the impulse of the man who is using it.

Bible in Basic English

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

3Now if we put bits of iron into horses' mouths so that they may be guided by us, we have complete control of their bodies.

5Even so the tongue is a small part of the body, but it takes credit for great things. How much wood may be lighted by a very little fire!

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Cross References

Psalms 107:25For at his word comes up the storm-wind, lifting high the waves.

Matthew 8:24And there came up a great storm in the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves: but he was sleeping.

Matthew Henry on James 3:2-13

Government of the Tongue. ( a. d. 61.) 1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 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,… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

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