James 3:3 · KJV
“Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.”
— James 3:3
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.
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.
James 3 — Context
My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. {condemnation: or, judgment}
2For 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.
3Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4Behold 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.
5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! {a matter: or, wood}
Cross References
Psalms 32:9
Be ye not as the horse, {or} as the mule, {which} have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.
Psalms 39:1
[To the chief Musician, {even} to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.] I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. {my mouth...: Heb. a bridle, or, muzzle for my mouth}
James 1:26
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion {is} vain.
2 Kings 19:28
Because thy rage against me and thy tumult is come up into mine ears, therefore I will put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.
Isaiah 37:29
Because thy rage against me, and thy tumult, is come up into mine ears, therefore will I put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.