James 3:5 Meaning
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
Context Explained
3Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4Behold 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.
5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
Key Themes
Related Cross References
Proverbs 18:21
This verse states that the tongue has the power of life and death, echoing the theme of the power of speech.
Matthew 12:34
Jesus teaches that the mouth speaks what the heart is full of, relating to the influence of the tongue.
Ephesians 4:29
This verse instructs believers to use their words to build others up, highlighting the importance of speech.
Source: James 3:5