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Behold, we put bits (or restraint) in the horses’ mouths to persuade them, and we govern their whole body.

Behold also the ships, which though they are so great are driven of fierce winds, yet they are governed with a very small rudder, wherever the governor desires.

In the same manner, the tongue is a very small member and boasts of great things. Behold, how great a forest a little fire kindles!

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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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