James 3:2-6

2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.
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 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.
6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

Cross References 9

  • 1. 1 Kings 8:46; Romans 3:9-20; James 2:10; 1 John 1:8
  • 2. Psalms 39:1; Proverbs 10:19; 1 Peter 3:10
  • 3. S Matthew 12:37
  • 4. James 1:26
  • 5. Psalms 32:9
  • 6. Psalms 12:3,4; Psalms 73:8,9
  • 7. Proverbs 16:27
  • 8. Mt 15:11,18,19
  • 9. S Matthew 5:22
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.