Bridle
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Prov. 26:3)—the headgear and bit used to guide a horse, mule, or donkey. Assyrian and Egyptian representations show simple and richly ornamented bridles, sometimes fitted with metal chains or decorative elements. Scripture uses bridling figuratively for restraint and disciplined control. James warns that religion is worthless when a person does not bridle the tongue, and compares control of speech with a bit directing a horse (Jas. 1:26; 3:2-5).