3:3,4
James then uses a number of comparisons to illustrate how a small item can exert an enormous influence, and likens the tongue to these. A horse can be controlled by a bit in its mouth. So if God gains control of our tongues, then our whole lives will be in step with the Spirit. A ship’s course is controlled by the rudder, an entity that is much smaller than the ship itself, yet determines the course it will take through the water. These are both positive illustrations showing how if the key element is behaving properly, the whole person will go in the right direction.
3:5,6
The next illustration is a negative one. A single spark can set a whole forest ablaze. Similarly the tongue can cause an enormous amount of trouble. This is something we have all observed, and experienced ourselves. A wrong or hasty word can cause tremendous upset. James closes this wee section by stating the importance of the tongue, and how it is so often a cause of evil. So the tongue is a most vital part of our body, having an undue influence on our lives.
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