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 your raging against Me and your arrogance have reached My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth; I will make you go back the way you came.
Do not be like a horse or mule, without understanding, that must be controlled with bit and bridle, or else it will not come near you.
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools.
Because your raging against Me and your arrogance has reached My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth; I will make you go back the way you came.
Now when we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we also guide the whole animal.
Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers.