James 3:3

3 Behold, we put bits (or restraint) in the horses’ mouths to persuade them, and we govern their whole body.

James 3:3 Meaning and Commentary

James 3:3

Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths
By this, and the following simile, the apostle not only expresses the smallness of that member of the body, which is like the bit in the horse's mouth, and the helm of a ship, but the good use of it, and the great influence it has over the whole body. Horses are without understanding, and need direction in what path to go, and are strong, and would be truly and ungovernable unless bits and bridles were put into their mouths:

that they may obey us;
and go in the way we would have them:

and we turn about the whole body
of the horse, this way, and that way, as is thought best, by the help of the bit and bridle; and of such use is the tongue to the natural body, that being bridled itself, bridles, directs, and governs the whole body; and its influence on bodies, and societies of men, and Christians, is like that of the bit in the horse's mouth; who, like horses, would be unruly and ungovernable, were it not for the force of language, the power of words, and strength of argument.

James 3:3 In-Context

1 My brethren, make not unto yourselves many teachers, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

2 For we all offend in many things. If any man offends not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to govern the whole body with restraint.

3 Behold, we put bits (or restraint) in the horses’ mouths to persuade them, and we govern their whole body.

4 Behold also the ships, which though they are so great are driven of fierce winds, yet they are governed with a very small rudder, wherever the governor desires.

5 In the same manner, the tongue is a very small member and boasts of great things. Behold, how great a forest a little fire kindles!