D. Scott Meadows

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body (Jas 3.2).

People say tritely, “We’re all sinners.” That is true if qualified by recognizing the reality of God’s saving grace that forgives and cleanses His elect, making them genuine saints instead. Even so, true Christians should humbly repudiate any notions of perfectionism in this life. James’ solemn reminder is for our proper self-image and consequent cautions as believers.

Our Faulty Walk (v. 2a)

The phrase has been rendered, “for we all make many stumbles” (YLT). This has moral overtones, so “mistakes” would be too frivolous a translation (e.g., NCV; BBE is better, “we all go wrong in a number of things”). The context suggests that our faulty speech is especially in view, but the same observation is true of us all generally. If we are honest, we have to admit that we stumble morally in many other areas of heart and conduct. Not a one of us can deny this about ourselves, nor can we plead that our sins are rare occurrences. Every aspect of our moral responsibility—even those where we might think we are doing well—is full of spots, blemishes, and omissions when compared with the exalted standard of God’s revealed will and the perfect example of Jesus Christ. This is true of the finest Christians we know on this side of glory, and how much more, then, of us who are not known for exceptional piety?

Our walk, our general habits and manner of life, finds us at fault in so many particulars and so often that we stand daily in need of God’s patience and mercy for salvation. “It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not” (Lam 3.22).

Our Faulty Talk (v. 2b)

James drives his point very forcefully by immediately adding another remark for emphasis. Some might have fantasized that they were utterly blameless in their speech—particularly in their doctrinal instruction, so James draws out the consequence of that hypothetical by writing, “if any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” Now only the one completely void of self-awareness would imagine himself to be “a perfect man,” Christ alone excepted. Who, in this life, has successfully “bridled” and restrained the whole person, so that perfect righteousness every moment of every day has been attained? And James implies that the tongue is the hardest member to break of its sinful wildness. If you can master your mouth, the rest would be doable, if not easy. Speech sins are the final frontier of sanctification.

Our Consequent Cautions

This verse immediately follows James’ warning about assuming the role of religious teachers, since those who do will be judged more strictly (v. 1). We are all prone to say wrong things, so none of us should enter the church’s teaching office or ministry lightly. It is similar to the sacred priesthood of old, “and no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron” (Heb 5.4). Without a divine call, that person is a colossal fool to preach or teach God’s Word publicly. Prudence recognizes that such a ministry should only be engaged when we are compelled by the Spirit and our gifts and graces are recognized by the brethren. The consensus of very judicious men is stated in our venerable confession of faith:

Although it be incumbent on the bishops or pastors of the churches, to be instant in preaching the Word, by way of office, yet the work of preaching the word is not so peculiarly confined to them but that others also gifted and fitted by the Holy Spirit for it, and approved and called by the church, may and ought to perform it (2LCF 26.11).

If you have stepped forward for public preaching or teaching, ask yourself if you were sufficiently prepared, examined, approved, and properly called by the Lord and His church to do it.

And even when Providence mercifully spares us that weighty responsibility, we must not think our speech sins are light matters. The moral standard is not lessened for any of us. Jesus said, “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matt 12.36). Faithful Bible readers know the Scriptures are filled with exhortations and warnings about what and when and how and why to speak. Our daily talk is to be consistently governed by God’s revealed will, and, even as Christians, we are accountable to Him for the countless comments we have made.

In the light of all this biblical truth, brethren, let us pray for each other. Pray for your pastors and all who engage in any public ministry of the holy Word of God. Plead with the Lord to fill us with His truth, to enable our faithful preparations for preaching and teaching, and to guide us in that ministry, keeping us from errors and emboldening us to present the whole counsel of God without craven fear or courting favor. And let us all pray for one another concerning everyday speech, for His forgiveness, for wisdom, and for reformation. Ω