James 3:5

Even so, the tongue is a small part of the body, and it boasts of great things. Behold how great a forest is kindled by a little fire!

Revised King James New Testament

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

4Behold also the ships, which, though they are so great and are driven by such fierce winds, yet they are guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot directs.

6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity among our members. It defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the whole course of life; and is itself set on fire by hell.

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 →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study James 3:5