Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
Ver. 5. Boasteth great things] Gr. μεγαλαυχει. It doth magnifically lift up itself, as an untamed horse doth his head. It exalts itself and exults of great things. It walketh through the earth, and faceth the very heavens, Psalms 73:9. It can run all the world over, and bite at everybody; being as a sharp razor, that doth deceit, that instead of shaving the hair cutteth the throat, Psalms 52:2. It is made in the shape of a sword; and David felt it as a sword in his bones, Psalms 42:10. It is thin, broad, and long, as an instrument most fit to empty both the speaker's and the hearer's heart. It is of a flame colour, as apt to set on fire the whole wheel of nature, James 3:6 .
Behold how great a matter] Or wood. Camerarius tells a story of two brethren walking out in a star light night. Saith one of the brethren, Would I had a pasture as large as this element; and said the other, Would I had as many oxen as there be stars. Saith the other again, Where would you feed those oxen? In your pasture, replied he. What? whether I would or no? Yea, said he, whether you will or no. What, in spite of me? Yes, said he. And thus it went on from words, till at length each sheathed his sword in the other's bowels.