When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.(A) Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.(B) Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

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我们若把嚼环放在马嘴里,叫它顺服,就能调动他的全身。 看哪,船只虽然甚大,又被大风催逼,只用小小的舵就随着掌舵的意思转动。 这样,舌头在百体里也是最小的,却能说大话。看哪,最小的火能点着最大的树林!

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Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

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.

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

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