Topical Bible: Fire: Though Small, Kindles a Great Matter

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The imagery of fire in the Bible is multifaceted, symbolizing both the divine presence and judgment of God, as well as the destructive potential of human sin and the tongue. The phrase "though small, kindles a great matter" is derived from the Epistle of James, which uses the metaphor of fire to illustrate the power of the tongue.

Biblical References and Symbolism

1. James 3:5-6 : "In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." This passage highlights the disproportionate impact of the tongue, likening it to a small spark that can ignite a vast forest fire. The tongue's potential for both good and evil is immense, and its misuse can lead to widespread destruction.

2. Proverbs 16:27 : "A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire." Here, the destructive nature of harmful speech is compared to a scorching fire, emphasizing the damage that can be wrought by malicious words.

3. Proverbs 26:20-21 : "Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases. As charcoal to embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife." These verses illustrate how gossip and contentious behavior can fuel discord, much like wood fuels a fire.

Theological Implications

The metaphor of fire as it relates to the tongue underscores the biblical teaching on the importance of self-control and the ethical use of speech. The tongue, though small, has the power to bless or curse, to build up or tear down. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of the heart's condition being reflected in one's words and actions (Matthew 12:34-37).

Divine Fire

In contrast to the destructive potential of human speech, fire is also a symbol of God's presence and purity. In Exodus 3:2, God appears to Moses in a burning bush, a fire that does not consume, symbolizing His holy presence. Similarly, in Acts 2:3, the Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles as tongues of fire, signifying divine empowerment and purification.

Judgment and Purification

Fire is frequently associated with divine judgment and purification. Malachi 3:2-3 speaks of God as a refiner's fire, purifying the sons of Levi. This imagery conveys the idea of fire as a means of purifying and refining, removing impurities to produce something pure and valuable.

Practical Application

The biblical teaching on the tongue as a fire calls for vigilance in speech and a heart aligned with God's righteousness. Believers are encouraged to use their words to edify and encourage, reflecting the character of Christ. The destructive potential of the tongue serves as a warning to guard one's speech and to seek the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit in all communication.

In summary, the biblical metaphor of fire, particularly as it relates to the tongue, serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for both destruction and purification inherent in human speech and divine action.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 3:5
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether Charity Can Decrease?
... ie of charity, "are fire and flames." Now fire ever mounts ... Thus sick people sometimes,
though they love health much ... when a man offends in a small matter he does ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether charity can decrease.htm

The Leaven.
... When great masses are affected, a boiling becomes unspeakably ... land; and a nation
thus on fire kindles another by ... Lord and in the Lord, though small at first as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/iv the leaven.htm

Acts iii. 1
... holes (eis kataduseis) and corners, and in secret: though not in ... that; and just as
it is with fire, the more ... to become teachers to the world; no small honor to ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily viii acts iii 1.htm

The Burnt Offering a Picture and a Prophecy
... no matter whether they be great or small, if only ... of the burnt offering was not
expiatory, though expiation was ... who has forgiven his sins, then the fire of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the burnt offering a picture.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... still glittered, and waited, while His bow, though bent, was ... to himself, it became
all on fire with rage ... age, but especially the men from the small-arms factory ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

Rom. I. 8
... And what may this small one be which thou art now going to ... another way he hints to
them the same thing, though in a ... and me." For as in the case of fire, if any ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily ii rom i 8.htm

The Misery of those Who, Besides Losing the Saints' Rest, Lose the ...
... Though Scripture speaks of God's laughing and mocking, not literally ... Why art thou
dismayed with such small sufferings as ... of thy body by holding it in the fire? ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vi the misery of.htm

God's Restraining Power.
... interest alone that kindles this fire, nor is the fire itself always ... be fellow-workers,
and in a similar way, though it may be only in a small degree, with ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/xii gods restraining power.htm

1 Thessalonians v. 19-22
... So also do ye yourselves retain the fire of love ... But thou hastenest by, though adjured
by thy Lord ... sober, and willing to attend, gains no small instruction from ...
/.../homily xi 1 thessalonians v.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, "When Jesus had Finished These Sayings ...
... What merit has fire for burning, for it is its nature to burn? ... have got the name
of Christian, the mere title is a very small thing even though you pride ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxvii on the words.htm