Smallness

Smallness with regard to size

James 3:4–5 See also Genesis 19:20; Exodus 12:4; Joshua 17:15; 1 Kings 17:13, 1 Kings 18:44, 1 Kings 20:27; 2 Kings 4:10, 2 Kings 6:1; Proverbs 30:24–28 smallness equated with wisdom; Ecclesiastes 9:14; Isaiah 49:19–20; Micah 5:2; Matthew 7:14, Matthew 17:20; Luke 17:6; Acts 27:16

Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined. 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.

Smallness with regard to importance and social standing

Deuteronomy 1:17 See also 1 Kings 22:31 parallel 2 Chronicles 18:30; 2 Chronicles 15:13; Job 3:16–19; Psalm 115:13; Jeremiah 49:15 parallel Obadiah 1:2; Acts 26:22; Revelation 11:18, Revelation 13:16, Revelation 19:5, Revelation 19:18, Revelation 20:12

Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.”

Smallness with regard to insignificance

1 Samuel 18:23 See also 1 Samuel 15:17, 1 Samuel 20:2; 1 Kings 2:20; Isaiah 49:6; Luke 19:17

But when Saul’s servants relayed these words to David, he replied, “Does it seem trivial in your sight to be the son-in-law of the king? I am a poor man and lightly esteemed.”

Smallness with regard to weakness

Amos 7:2–5

And when the locusts had eaten every green plant in the land, I said, “Lord GOD, please forgive! How will Jacob survive, since he is so small?” So the LORD relented from this plan. “It will not happen,” He said. This is what the Lord GOD showed me: The Lord GOD was calling for judgment by fire. It consumed the great deep and devoured the land. Then I said, “Lord GOD, please stop! How will Jacob survive, since he is so small?”