Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
Boasteth great things. What the careless think 'little,' is often of great moment (Bengel). "A world," "the course of nature," "hell" (James 3:6), show how great mischief the little tongue's great words produce.
How great a matter, [material for burning: fuel. Alford, 'forest:' huleen (G5208)]
A little fire kindleth. 'Aleph (') B C, Vulgate, read х heelikon (G2245)] 'how great a fire kindleth how great a matter.'