James 3:4

Behold also the ships, though they are so great, and driven by fierce winds, are turned about by a very small helm, whithersoever the steersman may desire.

The New Testament, American Bible Union (1865)

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 the bits into the horses' mouths[3:3], that they may obey us, we turn about also their whole body.

5So also the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how great a forest a little fire kindles!

Read all of James 3

Cross References

Matthew 8:24And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, so that the ship was covered by 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

Study James 3:4