James 3:4

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

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.

Cross References

Matthew 11:27

“All things have been entrusted to me by my Father and no one [truly] knows the Son except the Father. And neither does anyone [truly] know the Father except the Son and that person to whom the Son wants to reveal Him.

Matthew 8:24

Suddenly a violent storm came up over the lake, so that [huge] waves began to overwhelm the boat. But Jesus was sleeping [through it all].

Acts 27:11

But the military officer paid more attention to the captain and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul was saying.

James 3:3

Now if we put bits in the mouths of horses so that they will obey us, we can govern the direction of their entire bodies as well.

James 3:5

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.