NET Bible
"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."
— James 3:5, NET Bible
“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!”
“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 stumble in many ways. If someone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect individual, able to control the entire body as well.
And if we put bits into the mouths of horses to get them to obey us, then we guide their entire bodies.
Look at ships too: Though they are so large and driven by harsh winds, they are steered by a tiny rudder wherever the pilot’s inclination directs.
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.
And the tongue is a fire! The tongue represents the world of wrongdoing among the parts of our bodies. It pollutes the entire body and sets fire to the course of human existence– and is set on fire by hell.
For every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and sea creature is subdued and has been subdued by humankind.
But no human being can subdue the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.