Catholic Public Domain Version
"So also the tongue certainly is a small part, but it moves great things. Consider that a small fire can set ablaze a great forest. "
— James 3:5, Catholic Public Domain Version
“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”
“So the tongue also is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how much wood is kindled by how small a fire! ”
“So the tongue is also a little member, and boasts great things. See how a small fire can spread to a large forest!”
“So too the tongue is a small part of the body, yet it has great pretensions. Think how small a flame sets a huge forest ablaze.”
“Even so the tongue is indeed a little member and boasteth great things. Behold how small a fire kindleth a great wood.”
“Even so the tongue is a small part of the body, but it takes credit for great things. How much wood may be lighted by a very little fire!”
“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”
For we all offend in many ways. If anyone does not offend in word, he is a perfect man. And he is then able, as if with a bridle, to lead the whole body around.
For so we put bridles into the mouths of horses, in order to submit them to our will, and so we turn their whole body around.
Consider also the ships, which, though they are great and may be driven by strong winds, yet they are turned around with a small rudder, to be directed to wherever the strength of the pilot might will.
So also the tongue certainly is a small part, but it moves great things. Consider that a small fire can set ablaze a great forest.
And so the tongue is like a fire, comprising all iniquity. The tongue, stationed in the midst of our body, can defile the entire body and inflame the wheel of our nativity, setting a fire from Hell.
For the nature of all beasts and birds and serpents and others is ruled over, and has been ruled over, by human nature.
But no man is able to rule over the tongue, a restless evil, full of deadly poison.