John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - James 3:6
And the tongue is a fire ,.... It is like to fire, very useful in its place, to warm and comfort; so is the tongue in Christian conversation, and in the ministry of the word; the hearts of God's children burn within them, while they are talking together, and while the Scriptures of truth are opening to them; but as fire should be carefully watched, and kept, so should men take heed to their ways, that they sin not with their tongue, and keep their tongue from evil, and their lips from... read more
John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - James 3:5
Even so the tongue is a little member ,.... Like the bit in the horse's mouth, or like the helm of a ship. And boasteth great things : and does them; for this word may be taken in a good sense: a bridled and sanctified tongue, that is influenced by the grace of God, and directed by the Spirit of God, as it speaks great and good things, it has great power, weight, and influence: the tongue of the just is as choice silver, and the lips of the righteous feed many, Proverbs 10:20 , the... read more