King James Version KJV
New International Version NIV
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
3
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
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.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
5
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.
The King James Version is in the public domain.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.