the curb put into the mouths of horses to restrain them. The Hebrew word (metheg) so rendered in Ps 32:9 is elsewhere translated "bridle" (2Ki 19:28; Pr 26:3; Isa 37:29). Bits were generally made of bronze or iron, but sometimes also of gold or silver. In Jas 3:3 the Authorized Version translates the Greek word by "bits," but the Revised Version by "bridles."
Because, thy raging against me, and thy contempt, have come up into mine ears, therefore will I put my ring in thy nose, and my bit in thy lips, and will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.
Do not ye become like a horse, like a mule, without discernment, - With the bit and bridle of his mouth, hast thou to restrain him, - He will not come near unto thee.
A whip for the horse, a bridle a for the ass, and a rod for the back of dullards.
Because, thy raging against me, and thy contempt, have come up into mine ears, Therefore will I put My ring in thy nose, and My bit in thy lips, And will turn thee back, by the way by which thou earnest.
Now, if, the horses bits, into their mouths, we thrust, to the end they may be yielding to us, their whole body also, do we turn about.