James 3:4

Look at ships as well: even though they're very big and are driven along by strong winds, they're steered by a very small rudder in the direction the pilot wants to go.

Free Bible Version

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

3We put bridles into the mouths of horses so that they'll obey us, and we can direct them wherever we want.

5In just the same way the tongue is a very small part of the body, but it makes great boasts! Think how a big forest can be set on fire by a very small flame!

Read all of James 3

Cross References

Psalms 107:25He only had to speak to cause a stormy wind that stirred up towering waves,

Matthew 8:24A violent storm suddenly blew up, and waves crashed over the boat, but Jesus went on 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 →

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Study James 3:4