James 3:5

Taming the Tongue

4Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined.5In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

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Berean Standard Bible
In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze.
American Standard Version (1901)
So the tongue also is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how much wood is kindled by how small a fire!
Bible in Basic English
Even so the tongue is a small part of the body, but it takes credit for great things. How much wood may be lighted by a very little fire!
Douay-Rheims 1899
Even so the tongue is indeed a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold how small a fire kindleth a great wood.
Free Bible Version
In just the same way the tongue is a very small part of the body, but it makes great boasts! Think how a big forest can be set on fire by a very small flame!
Geneva Bible 1599
Euen so the tongue is a litle member, and boasteth of great things: beholde, howe great a thing a litle fire kindleth.
King James (Authorized) Version
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
Plain English Version
Well, those are pictures of our tongues. Our tongues are only little, like that bit of iron and that little rudder. Yes, our tongues are little, but if we use them to talk up big and tell people that we are really good, they will do a lot of damage. Think about fire. A very little spark can start a fire, and then it can burn up a lot of bush.
Translation for Translators
Similarly, although our tongues are very small, if we do not control them, we can harm many people by what we proudly say [MTY]. Think also about how just a small flame of fire can cause a large forest (OR, a large area of brushwood) to burn.
Unlocked Literal Bible
Likewise the tongue is a small body part, yet it boasts great things. Notice also how small a fire sets on fire a large forest.
Noah Webster Bible
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
World English Bible
So the tongue is also a little member, and boasts great things. See how a small fire can spread to a large forest!
Young's Literal Translation
so also the tongue is a little member, and doth boast greatly; lo, a little fire how much wood it doth kindle!