# the tongue is a small member

It can be stated explicitly what the tongue is a member of. Alternate translation: "the tongue is a small member of the body" or "the tongue is a small part of the body" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit]])

# boasts great things

Here "things" is a general word for everything about which these people are proud.

# Notice also

"Think about"

# how small a fire sets on fire a large forest

In order to help people understand the harm that the tongue can cause, James speaks of the harm that a small flame can cause. Alternate translation: "how a small flame can start a fire that burns many trees"