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When we put a bit into a horse’s mouth to make it obey us, we also guide its entire body. Or think of ships. Even though they are large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder on whatever course the helmsman chooses. In the same way, the tongue is a small member but its pretensions are great.

Consider how a small fire can set ablaze a great forest. Read full chapter

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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