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James 3:5

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.
(NIV)

The word "likewise" tells you to look at the previous verses. When you do, you can see that the tongue, just like a rudder or a bit, is a small thing that can impact or steer something big.

I love the second sentence of this verse. Most of us who have a mouth have had a moment where we have thought something similar to that as a result of something we said, "... what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark!"

As we consider our tongue, there are many proverbs that jump to mind. But there is one that I would like to share this morning. It is Proverbs 17:28,

Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue.

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