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James 3:3–5a
“If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.”
Keeping our tongues under control, because it is so difficult, means that we are able to keep our entire selves under control. This is the point of James 3:2—namely, that if we are purposeful about holy speech, we are almost certainly going to be purposeful about holiness in other areas of our lives. In case anyone questions this thesis, James goes on in today’s passage to prove it by way of analogies with bits and rudders.
Horseback riders place a small bit in the mouth of the horse that, with the bridle and reins, they use to control and direct the animal. Compared to the horse itself, the bit is tiny, but skilled riders can use it to guide the animal wherever they want it to go (v. 3). James uses this analogy to show that what we say with our small tongues has great consequence for the larger direction of our lives. Our words create and sustain friendships, marriages, jobs, and much more. We exercise a measure of control over our future through what we say.
James then speaks of the ship’s rudder that can hold a large ship steady and direct it even as it is battered by strong winds. The will of the pilot moves him to steer the ship with the rudder, bringing the great vessel under his control (v. 4). Again, the point is that something small can direct something much larger, so our small tongues can help determine the entire course of our lives. We are like the pilot of the ship, and if we skillfully exercise our wills to keep our tongues under control, then our speech will bring many benefits. On the other hand, if we are not careful to maintain holiness in our speech, we can make shipwreck of our lives.
These images of the bit and the rudder were commonplace in the ancient world, used by individuals such as the philosopher Aristotle to show how small things can be used to control much larger things. James is conversant with the culture of the day and uses it to drive home an important point for his readers. Matthew Henry comments: “There is a wonderful beauty in these comparisons, to show how things of small bulk may yet be of vast use. And hence we should learn to make the due management of our tongues more our study, because, though they are little members, they are capable of doing a great deal of good or a great deal of hurt.”
The tongue is small, but it boasts of great things, especially its own power (v. 5a). We know well from experience that the tongue has grounds to boast about what it can do—for good or for ill.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
If we keep in mind the effect our words can have on our own lives and the lives of others, we may find ourselves better able to keep them under control. We can avoid many life-changing mistakes, damaging comments, and sinful situations and relationships if we recognize the power of our tongues and seek to keep them in check.
For further study
- Genesis 1:1–2:3
- Proverbs 7:21; 22:11; 25:15
- 1 Corinthians 1:18
The bible in a year
- Leviticus 19–20
- Mark 1