My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing
that we shall receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble on many things. If anyone does not stumble in words, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. (James 3:1-2)
James wrote about the proof of living faith, the kind of faith that saves us for eternity and does us some good in this life. Making our way into chapter 3, we see that James focused on one aspect of a living faith: it would affect the way we talk.
He begins with, "Let not many of you become teachers." James had a sober warning for those who could become teachers in the church. They must take the responsibility seriously because their accountability is greater and they shall receive a stricter judgment.
It is easy to take the position of teacher lightly in the church, without considering its cost in terms of accountability. Jesus warned "To whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much have been committed, of him they will ask the more." (Luke 12:48)
The words of Jesus and James remind us that being among the teachers in God's church is more than a matter of having natural or even spiritual gifts; there is an additional dimension of appropriate character and right living. Therefore, teachers were both tested more and would be judged more strictly.
Then James explained another reason why it was so important for teachers to take this seriously. He reminds us, "For we all stumble in many things." The greater accountability of teachers is especially sobering in light of our common weaknesses. After all, "we all stumble in many things." The ancient Greek word translated stumble does not imply a fatal fall, but something that trips us up and hinders our spiritual progress.
Notice that James wrote, "We" and not "They." "We all stumble" means that James included himself among those who could stumble. Yet he did not excuse his or our stumbling. We know that we all stumble, but we should all press on to a better walk with the Lord, marked by less stumbling.
Then James provided a way to measure spiritual maturity for teachers and all Christians: "If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man." We stumble in words about ourselves, with our boasting, exaggeration, and selective reporting. We stumble in words about others, with our criticism, gossip, slander, cruelty, two-facades, and anger; or with flattery and insincere words meant to gain favor.
To "not stumble in words" shows true spiritual maturity. This is especially relevant to teachers, who have so much more opportunity to sin with their tongue.
We could say it strongly to any teacher: Watch what you say. Your words are important. That is something we all need to hear, as James will explain in the coming section. Yet teachers need to hear this; by their words, they can help or hurt others for now and eternity.
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