2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect individual, able to hold in check his whole body also.
3 And if we put bits in the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we also guide their whole bodies.
4 Behold also ships: although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot wishes.
5 So also the tongue is a small member of the body and boasts great things. Behold how small a fire sets ablaze how great a forest!
6 And the tongue is a fire! The world of unrighteousness, the tongue, is set among our members, defiling the whole body and setting on fire the course of human existence, being set on fire by hell.
7 For every species of animals and birds, of reptiles and sea creatures, is being tamed and has been tamed by the human species,
8 but no human being is able to tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.