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James 3:4
And again ships, though they are so great and are moved by violent winds, are turned by a very small guiding-blade, at the impulse of the man who is using it.
James 3:4 · Bible in Basic English
James 3:4 in other translations
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.
Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined.
Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires.
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In context
1 Do not all be teachers, my brothers, because we teachers will be judged more hardly than others.
2 For we all go wrong in a number of things. If a man never makes a slip in his talk, then he is a complete man and able to keep all his body in control.
3 Now if we put bits of iron into horses' mouths so that they may be guided by us, we have complete control of their bodies.
4 And again ships, though they are so great and are moved by violent winds, are turned by a very small guiding-blade, at the impulse of the man who is using it.
5 Even so the tongue is a small part of the body, but it takes credit for great things. How much wood may be lighted by a very little fire!
6 And the tongue is a fire; it is the power of evil placed in our bodies, making all the body unclean, putting the wheel of life on fire, and getting its fire from hell.
7 For every sort of beast and bird and every living thing on earth and in the sea has been controlled by man and is under his authority;
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