James 3:5

James 3:5

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

a. NLT: In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.

b. NIV: Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

c. Young’s Literal Translation: so also the tongue is a little member, and doth boast greatly; lo, a little fire how much wood it doth kindle!

d. Amplified Bible: Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how much wood or how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze!

1. “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things…”

a. even [2532 * kai] [Strong:  apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

b. so [3779 * houtos] [Strong: in this way (referring to what precedes or follows):--after that, after (in) this manner, as, even (so), for all that, like(-wise), no more, on this fashion(-wise), so (in like manner), thus, what.]

c. tongue [1100 * glossa] [Strong: of uncertain affinity; the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired):--tongue.]

d. little [3398 * mikros] [Strong: small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity):--least, less, little, small.]

2. “…Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”

a. great [2245 * helikos] [Strong: a comrade, i.e. one of the same age); as big as, i.e. (interjectively) how much:--how (what) great.]

b. matter [5208 * hule] [Strong: a forest, i.e. (by implication) fuel:--matter.]

c. little [3641 * oligos] [Strong: of uncertain affinity; puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat:--+ almost, brief(-ly), few, (a) little, + long, a season, short, small, a while.]

d. fire [4442 * pyr] [Strong: a primary word; "fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning):--fiery, fire.]

e. kindleth [381 * anapto] [Strong: to enkindle:--kindle, light.]

1). World Outreach Church Daily Devotional 9/16/11 James is saying a spark can set a forest ablaze to destroy it or set a fire ablaze to keep us warm. In other words, we can use our tongues to destroy ourselves or make ourselves victorious. Our words will make us or break us. If we allow our tongues to speak words of doubt and complaint, they will defeat us every time. But when we line up our words with God’s Word, our tongues will put us over every time—no matter what comes against us. Sometimes Christians are the most negative people in the world. Many say things like, “I’m just an unworthy worm,” or “Here I wander like a beggar through the heat and the cold.” We used to think we were being humble and spiritual when we talked like that. But what we thought was humility was really spiritual pride. To be spiritual is to line up with God’s Word. True humility is admitting God knows more than we do. True humility says, “I don’t feel worthy or righteous. But, Lord, if You said I’m the righteousness of God in Christ, then I must be. I’m going to humble myself to Your Word and believe what You said, no matter what I feel.” (Rom. 3:22.) So make a decision to line your words up with the Word of God in every area of your life!