James 3:3

The Message

A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!

Cross References

2 Kings 19:28

It’s because of your temper, your blasphemous foul temper, That I’m putting my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth And turning you back to where you came from.

Psalm 32:9

“Don’t be ornery like a horse or mule that needs bit and bridle to stay on track.”

Psalm 39:1

I’m determined to watch steps and tongue so they won’t land me in trouble. I decided to hold my tongue as long as Wicked is in the room. “Mum’s the word,” I said, and kept quiet. But the longer I kept silence The worse it got— my insides got hotter and hotter. My thoughts boiled over; I spilled my guts.

James 1:26

Anyone who sets himself up as “religious” by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.