James 3:4

“Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, etc.] Of so large a bulk, of such a prodigious size, and are such unwieldy vessels: and are driven of fierce winds; with great vehemence, rapidity, and swiftness: yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth; the helm, or tiller of a ship, is a beam or piece of timber fastened into the rudder, and so coming forward into the steerage, where he that stands at helm steers the ship f29, who is here called the governor; or “he that directs”, as the word may be rendered; that is, that steers; the word for “helm” is translated rudder in (<442740>Acts 27:40), and the helm or tiller is sometimes, though…”

“Not only animals, but even ships. the governor listeth--literally, "the impulse of the steersman pleaseth." The feeling which moves the tongue corresponds with this.”

“Behold also the ships - This illustration is equally striking and obvious. A ship is a large object. It seems to be unmanageable by its vastness, and it is also impelled by driving storms. Yet it is easily managed by a small rudder; and he that has control of that, has control of the ship itself. So with the tongue. It is a small member as compared with the body; in its size not unlike the rudder as compared with the ship. Yet the proper control of the tongue in respect to its influence on the whole man, is not unlike the control of the rudder in its power over the ship. Which though they be so great - So great in themselves, and in comparison with the rudder. Even such bulky and unwieldy…”

“are driven: Psa 107:25-27; Jon 1:4; Mat 8:24; Acts 27:14-38 James 3:5”