The Little Tongue Boasting James 3:5

As James, the “servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ”, told the people within the “twelve tribes scattered abroad” they were not to be “many masters” because they would receive “the greater condemnation”, and he used “bits” in “horses mouths” and the “very small helm” of “ships” to describe how small items move great objects. In chapter three and verse five of his letter, James shared how the “tongue” is also “a little member” that “boasts great things” where we read:

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things.

Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles!

The verse begins, “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things.” James began with the words, “Even so” or “also, indeed, likewise, in the same manner and thus” “the tongue” which is “the small member of the body used as an organ of speech” “a little member” which means “a smaller, lesser and tiny part of the body”, “and boasts great things” which refers to “bearing one's self loftily in speech or action”. James concluded that the “tongue”, though it is a very small part within the body, is prone to “brag and speak loftily” about “things” said and done.

The verse goes on to say, “Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles!” James continued, “Behold” or “lo, look and see”, “how great” or “big and large” “a matter” which means “forest, felled wood and fuel” “a little” or “small, few and slight” “fire” which refers to “fiery fire or lightning” “kindles” or “lights up and inflames”. James noted how a “small flame” is able to start a “blazing forest fire”

When we consider these words of James, we notice in the same way “bits” move “horses” and “little helms” turn about great “ships”, so our tongue has great power to “boast” and proclaim lofty things. Our “tongues” are powerful tools, and they must be put under the submission of Jesus Christ when we profess our faith and trust in Him. We only have to look around today to realize how “powerful” words can be, and if we are to be used by Jesus to share His gospel, we must allow Him to control what we say and when we say it lest we cause a “raging fire” that only serves to destroy.

Next time James shares how the “tongue is a fire”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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