James 3:3

3 Behold, we put bits in the mouths of horses, that they may obey us; and we turn about 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, be not many teachers, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

2 For in many things we all offend. If any man offendeth not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

3 Behold, we put bits in the mouths of horses, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

4 Behold also the ships, which though they are so great, and [are] driven by fierce winds, yet they are turned about with a very small helm, withersoever the governor willeth.

5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!