James 3:5 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

And boasteth great things— Though the word μεγαλαυχειν signifies in general to boast great things; yet here, to answer the two preceding comparisons, it must signify that the tongue, though a small member, can do great things; just as a small bridle can curb a great horse, and a small helm steer a large ship. Many critics join this first clause of the 5th verse to the 4th, and read the 5th thus: Behold how great a quantity of materials a little fire kindleth! James 3:6 and the tongue is a fire, &c.