James 3:4 · KJV
“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 3:4
Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! {a matter: or, wood}
James 3 — Context
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.
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}
6And the tongue {is} a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. {course: Gr. wheel}
Cross References
Matthew 8:24
And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
Acts 27:14-38
But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. {arose: or, beat}
Psalms 107:25-27
For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. {raiseth: Heb. maketh to stand}
Jonah 1:4
But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken. {sent out: Heb. cast forth} {was like...: Heb. thought to be broken}