Behold, &c. As if the apostle had said, Think not the tongue a weak member because it is small; we put bits in the horses' mouths that they may obey us May go as we direct them; and, strong, and sometimes furious as they are; we turn about their whole body Influence as we please all their motions. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great So large and heavy, and are driven frequently by fierce winds which seem to be irresistible, yet are they turned about To the right or left; with a very small helm Which, to a person unacquainted with nautical affairs, would appear to be weak and insignificant; whithersoever the governor Η ορμη του ευθυνοντος, the force of the director, or steersman; willeth That is, according to the will of the person who sits at the helm; who was not necessarily either the ship- master or the pilot, but a person appointed to that office. So the tongue is a little, and apparently insignificant member, and yet boasteth great things Hath great influence: also, to show by another comparison the operation of the tongue, behold how great a matter How great a quantity of wood and other materials; a little fire kindleth Into a terrible flame.
Related Commentaries of James 3:3
James 3:3-5
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold 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.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matterb a little fire kindleth!