James 3:3

εἰ δὲ with אABC (ιδε) KL and many others, also O.L. and Vulgate (si autem). ἰδοὺ is read in a few cursives and has the authority of several versions.

3. εἰ δὲ τῶν ἴππων κ.τ.λ. A man’s tongue or speech is regarded as a force distinct from himself, just as his body is. If he can bring his tongue under control, he can bring his body under control; just as one who controls the horse’s mouth or the ship’s helm guides the whole horse or ship. τὸ σῶμα, the body, including its members, forces and affections. Comp. Romans 6:12 μὴ οὖν βασιλευέτω ἡ ἁμαρτία ἐν τῷ θνητῷ ὑμῶν σώματι εἰς τὸ ὑπακούειν ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις αὐτοῦ κ.τ.λ. See also Romans 7:23; 1 Corinthians 9:27.

τῶν ἵππων depends directly on τὰ στόματα not on τοὺς χαλινούς. If we put their bits into horses’ mouths &c. καὶ marks the apodosis. For the thought comp. Soph. Ant. 483 σμικρῷ χαλινῷ δʼ οἶδα τοὺς θυμουμένους | ἵππους καταρτυθέντας.

μετάγομεν, drive or lead in different directions, μετά implies change of place.