Matthew Poole and continuators on James 3:5

5 Even so the tongue is a little member , and boasteth great things . Behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth .

The Accomodation of the former Similitudes: the Tongue is a little Member, i. e. one of the lesser, in Comparison of the Body.

The Greek Word signifies, according to its Derivation, the lifting up of the Neck (as Horses, mentioned, v. 3. are wont to do in their Pride) in a way of Bravery and Triumph; and hence it is used to express boasting and glorying, but here seems to imply something more, viz. not only the uttering big Words, but doing great things, whether good and useful, as in the former Similitudes, or evil, as in what follows; or its boasting how great things it can do, q. d. the Tongue, tho little, is of great force and efficacy, and it will tell you so it self; it not only boasts what its fellowMembers can do, but especially what it self can.

Another Similitude in which he sets forth the evil the Tongue, as little as it is, doth, where it is not well-governed, as in the former he had shewn the good it may do, when kept under Rule.

The word signifies either any comoustible Stuff, or, as in the Margin, Wood, that being the ordinary Fuel then in use.

Even a Spark, the smallest Quantity or Particle, which may do great Mischief, when lighting in sutable matter.

Marginal references: Prov. 12.18. and 15.2.; Psal. 12.3. and 73.8, 9.; Or, wood.