James 3:5

New International Version

Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

Cross References

Proverbs 18:21

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 12:18

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 15:2

The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

Psalm 17:10

They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance.

Jude 1:16

These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

Jeremiah 18:18

They said, “Come, let’s make plans against Jeremiah; for the teaching of the law by the priest will not cease, nor will counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophets. So come, let’s attack him with our tongues and pay no attention to anything he says.”

Psalm 10:3

He boasts about the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord.

Ezekiel 28:2

“Son of man, say to the ruler of Tyre, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “ ‘In the pride of your heart you say, “I am a god; I sit on the throne of a god in the heart of the seas.” But you are a mere mortal and not a god, though you think you are as wise as a god.

2 Peter 2:18

For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error.

Daniel 4:30

he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?”

Job 22:17

They said to God, ‘Leave us alone! What can the Almighty do to us?’

Exodus 15:9

The enemy boasted, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake them. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword and my hand will destroy them.’

Daniel 3:15

Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”

Ezekiel 29:3

Speak to him and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “ ‘I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, you great monster lying among your streams. You say, “The Nile belongs to me; I made it for myself.”

Exodus 5:2

Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go.”

Psalm 39:1

I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.”

Proverbs 26:20

Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.

James 3:4

Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.