James 3:5 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

⁵ 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 versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

⁵ 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

⁵ 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)

⁵ 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

⁵ 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

⁵ 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 Cross References

Jude 1:16

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.

2 Peter 2:18

[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.

James 3:4

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.