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1
Small Size, Mighty Power
Commentators unanimously affirm that, like a ship's rudder, the tongue is a small part of the body with immense influence. Its 'boasting' isn't empty talk; scholars note it has the real power to sway multitudes and alter the course of events for individuals and even nations.
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Book Overview
James
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James 3:5
Commentaries
Albert Barnes
On James 3:5
18th Century
Theologian
Even so, the tongue is a little member. Little compared with the body—as the bit or the rudder is, compared with the horse or the ship.
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AT Robertson
On James 3:5
A little member (μικρον μελος). Μελος is old and common word for members of the human body (1 Corinthians 12:12, etc.;…
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Charles Ellicott
On James 3:5
19th Century
Bishop
Even so . . .—Thus, like the tiny rudder of the mighty ship, upon which its course most critically depends—the tongue…
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On James 3:5
With the words “likewise the tongue,” the application of the two preceding verses is introduced. Like bits (v.3) and rudders (v.4), the tongue also…
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John Gill
On James 3:5
17th Century
Pastor
Even so the tongue is a little member
Like the bit in the horse's mouth, or like the helm of a ship.
…
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Matthew Henry
On James 3:1–12
17th Century
Minister
We are taught to dread an unruly tongue as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of humankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of people. …
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