James 3:5

So likewise the tongue is a small member, and it exalteth itself. Also a little fire inflameth large forests.

James Murdock's Translation of the Syriac Peshitta

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

4Huge ships also, when strong winds drive them, are turned about by a small timber, to what place the pleasure of the pilot looketh.

6Now the tongue is a fire, and the world of sin is like a forest. And this tongue, which is one among our members, marreth our whole body; and it inflameth the series of our generations that roll on like a wheel; and it is itself on fire.

Read all of James 3

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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