Look, even though ships are huge and are driven by strong winds, still their direction can be governed by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires to sail.
James 3:5 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition) So, the tongue is a small part [of the body], yet it boasts of great accomplishments. Look at how large a forest is burned up by even a tiny spark. More versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! Amplified Bible - Classic Edition Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how much wood or how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze! American Standard Version (1901) So the tongue also is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how much wood is kindled by how small a fire! Common English Bible In the same way, even though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts wildly. Think about this: A small flame can set a whole forest on fire. 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. Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version Even so the tongue is indeed a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold how small a fire kindleth a great wood. |
Look, even though ships are huge and are driven by strong winds, still their direction can be governed by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires to sail.
[Although] their talk is big, what they say is worthless, and by [offering people] fleshly desires [i.e., sexual gratification], they lead people astray, who are barely escaping from the error of the world.
These people are gripers and complainers, living according to their own [evil] desires, whose mouths speak boastfully, and who show partiality [toward certain people] to gain some advantage.