James 3:5

Even 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!

Bible in Basic English

In The King James Version

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

In Context

4And 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.

6And the tongue is a fire; it is the power of evil placed in our bodies, making all the body unclean, putting the wheel of life on fire, and getting its fire from hell.

Read all of James 3

Cross References

Exodus 5:2And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, to whose voice I am to give ear and let Israel go? I have no knowledge of the Lord and I will not let Israel go.

2 Kings 19:22Against whom have you said evil and bitter things? against whom has your voice been loud and your eyes lifted up? even against the Holy One of Israel.

Job 22:17Who said to God, Go away from us; and, What is the Ruler of all able to do to us?

Psalms 12:2\12:1\Send help, Lord, for mercy has come to an end; there is no more faith among the children of men.

Psalms 52:1To the chief music-maker. Maschil. Of David.\

Proverbs 12:18There are some whose uncontrolled talk is like the wounds of a sword, but the tongue of the wise makes one well again.

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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