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James 3:4-8 KJV
James · chapter 3 · verses 4–8 · King James Version
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: 8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.James 3:4-8 · King James Version
James 3:4-8 in context
2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
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:
8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
Cross references
- Proverbs 18:21
- Jeremiah 9:3-8
- Proverbs 12:18
- Proverbs 15:2
- Psalms 17:10
- Psalms 73:8-9
- Psalms 12:2-4
- Psalms 52:1-2
- Psalms 120:2-3
- Proverbs 16:27
- Mark 7:15
- Matthew 15:11-20
Key words (Strong's)
- whithersoeverhopouwhere, whereasG3699 →
- iniquityadikiainjustice, of a judge, unrighteousness of heart and life, a deed violating law and…G93 →
- defilethspiloōto defile, spotG4695 →
- serpentsherpetona creeping animal, reptile, used chiefly of snakes, an animal of any sort, four-legged…G2062 →
- Beholdidoubehold, see, loG2400 →
- drivenelaunōto drive, of the wind driving ships or clouds, of sailors propelling a vessel by oars, to…G1643 →
- fiercesklēroshard, harsh, rough, stiff, of men metaph. harsh, stern, hard, of things violent, rough…G4642 →
- tongueglōssathe tongue, a member of the body, an organ of speech, a tongue, the language or dialect…G1100 →
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