3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. 4 Consider 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. 5 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.
James 3:3–5
Semantically similar passages
Sirach 28:11–13
11 A contention begun in haste kindles a fire; and hasty fighting sheds blood. (WEB) 12 If you blow on a spark, it will burn; and if you spit upon it, it will be quenched. Both of these come out of your mouth. (WEB) 13 Curse the whisperer and double-tongued, for he has destroyed ma… (WEB)
Psalms 32:8–10
8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you. 9 Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; they must be controlled with bit and bridle to make them come to you. 10 Many are the sorrows of the…
Proverbs 25:14–16
14 Like clouds and wind without rain is the man who boasts of gifts never given. 15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. 16 If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up.
Galatians 5:8–10
8 Such persuasion does not come from the One who calls you. 9 A little leaven works through the whole batch of dough. 10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is troubling you will bear the judgment, whoever he may be.
Ecclesiastes 12:10–12
10 The Teacher searched to find delightful sayings and to record accurate words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are like goads, and the anthologies of the masters are like firmly embedded nails driven by a single Shepherd. 12 And by these, my son, be further warned:…
Sirach 33:12–14
12 Some of them he blessed and exalted, and some of them he made holy and brought near to himself. Some of them he cursed and brought low, and overthrew them from their place. (WEB) 13 As the clay of the potter in his hand, all his ways are according to his good pleasure,… (WEB)
Wisdom of Solomon 14:4–6
4 showing that you can save out of every danger, that even a man without skill may put to sea. (WEB) 5 It is your will that the works of your wisdom should not be ineffective. Therefore men also entrust their lives to a little piece of wood, and passing through the surg… (WEB)
Odes of Solomon 16:1–2
1 As the work of the husbandman is the ploughshare: and the work of the steersman is the guidance of the ship: (ODE) 2 So also my work is the Psalm of the Lord: my craft and my occupation are in His praises: (ODE)
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