See how great a forest a little fire kindles
Inspirational
I've Heard That All My Life!
Familiar Expressions from the Bible
Object:
Expression: See how great a forest a little fire kindles
Location: James 3:5 (NKJV)
Verse: Even so the tongue is a little member [small part of the body], and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles.
It was my first trip to the state of Oregon. I was delighted when some friends asked me to drive with them from Portland to the Pacific coast. I knew that I would see some beautiful country I had never seen before.
We drove through the land covered with tall, majestic trees reaching skyward almost like arms reaching toward heaven. I was assured of the vastness of this life in the forest.
All of a sudden, I was completely shocked when one of the men in the car rolled down his window and threw a lighted cigarette out. I couldn't help but be alarmed as I asked if he did not think that might catch the forest on fire.
Apparently I was the only one with this question on my mind as the others disregarded my statement, and the car sped on. I had my eye peeled for the next sight of a forest ranger.
We might think of the Oregon forest when we read this verse in the Bible. However, this scripture is comparing the fire to a person's uncontrolled, wicked, and vengeful words which can do just as much harm as a fire in a forest.
Many scholars place the teaching in the Epistle of James between A.D. 45 and 50; many believe it was written under the authority of the half-brother of Jesus.
In chapter 3 of this book of James, it speaks about the danger of the tongue, the uncontrolled language of the tongue. James states that we are capable of making a horse turn directions by a small bit in the horse's mouth. We are reminded that a tiny rudder on a ship can make the ship turn in whatever direction the pilot wants it to go.
The writer also states that a tongue is a small thing, but can do enormous damage if it is not controlled. In chapter 3 of James, we read the dramatic truism that a great forest with many trees can be set on fire by just a tiny spark. The tongue too can be a flame of wickedness.
When a tongue is under control, it can be a blessing. When a tongue is out of control, it is wicked, destructive, and even devastating to many.
Location: James 3:5 (NKJV)
Verse: Even so the tongue is a little member [small part of the body], and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles.
It was my first trip to the state of Oregon. I was delighted when some friends asked me to drive with them from Portland to the Pacific coast. I knew that I would see some beautiful country I had never seen before.
We drove through the land covered with tall, majestic trees reaching skyward almost like arms reaching toward heaven. I was assured of the vastness of this life in the forest.
All of a sudden, I was completely shocked when one of the men in the car rolled down his window and threw a lighted cigarette out. I couldn't help but be alarmed as I asked if he did not think that might catch the forest on fire.
Apparently I was the only one with this question on my mind as the others disregarded my statement, and the car sped on. I had my eye peeled for the next sight of a forest ranger.
We might think of the Oregon forest when we read this verse in the Bible. However, this scripture is comparing the fire to a person's uncontrolled, wicked, and vengeful words which can do just as much harm as a fire in a forest.
Many scholars place the teaching in the Epistle of James between A.D. 45 and 50; many believe it was written under the authority of the half-brother of Jesus.
In chapter 3 of this book of James, it speaks about the danger of the tongue, the uncontrolled language of the tongue. James states that we are capable of making a horse turn directions by a small bit in the horse's mouth. We are reminded that a tiny rudder on a ship can make the ship turn in whatever direction the pilot wants it to go.
The writer also states that a tongue is a small thing, but can do enormous damage if it is not controlled. In chapter 3 of James, we read the dramatic truism that a great forest with many trees can be set on fire by just a tiny spark. The tongue too can be a flame of wickedness.
When a tongue is under control, it can be a blessing. When a tongue is out of control, it is wicked, destructive, and even devastating to many.
