Ministry of Grace Church

Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!

Truth to Learn

Our tongue may be small, but it can get us into big trouble if we don’t control it.

Behind the Words

“Even so” is translated from houtōs, which we have looked at before. It literally means “in this manner” or “in this way.” James is directly equating the effect of the little tongue with the little bridle or little rudder of the previous verses.

The word “member” is translated from melos, which refers to “a limb or member of the body.” And, “little” is translated from mikrōs (from which we get out word, micro), meaning “small or little.” So James is stating that the tongue is a small part of our body just as the rudder is a small part of a ship.

The expression “boasts great things” comes from the Greek word megalaucheō, which is a compound from megas, meaning “exceedingly great or large” and aucheō, meaning to talk big or boast.

The Greek word translated “forest” is hulē, which means “wood” or “a forest,” and also “the matter or raw material of which a thing is made.” James’ use of the word here is most likely a reference to a large forest of trees which can be consumes by fire started from a small flame.

The word at the end of the verse which is translated “little” is oligos, which means “puny” or “tiny.” Some manuscripts, however, don’t use this word. Instead, they say, “See what-sized fire kindles what-sized forest?” Though the various manuscripts use different words, they essentially mean the same thing.

Meaning Explained

Now James drops the hammer (in some cases perhaps, right on our toes)! Having just given us examples of little things which have tremendous influence over much larger things, he compares them with the tongue. He tells us that the tongue, though small compared to other parts of our bodies, makes itself out to be something great. James then uses yet another word picture to help us understand the danger of an uncontrolled tongue. The picture is of a great forest fire which is ignited by a very small flame. And, like ill spoken words from our mouth, once the fire has begun, it is difficult to stop.

It was just such improper use of the tongue by Doeg the Edomite which David talked about:

Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The goodness of God endures continually. Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. You love evil more than good, Lying rather than speaking righteousness. (Psalms 52:1-3)

Application

Do you have a problem with your tongue? If so, this is a very important chapter of the Bible for you. Pay close attention and let God speak directly to you. You will find out that you are not alone. In fact, all of us have problems with our words, some more than others. But don't just excuse it because we all do it, rather confront yourself and ask the Lord for His power in controlling your tongue!