James 3:3

3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.

James 3:3 in Other Translations

KJV
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
ESV
3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well.
NLT
3 We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth.
MSG
3 A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse.
CSB
3 Now when we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we also guide the whole animal.

James 3:3 In-Context

1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.
4 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.
5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

Cross References 1

Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.