James 3:2 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. 1. None are absolutely freed and exempted from sinning (1 John 1:8; Proverbs 20:9). Well, then — (1) Walk with more caution; you carry a sinning heart about you. As long as there is fuel for temptation we cannot be secure; he that hath gunpowder about him will be afraid of sparkles. (2) Censure with the more tenderness; give every action the allowance of human frailty (Galatians 6:1). (3) Be the more earnest with God for grace; God will keep you still dependent, and beholden to His power. (4) Magnify the love of God with the more praise. Paul groaneth under his corruptions (Romans 7., latter end); and then admireth the happiness of those that are in Christ (Romans 8:1). 2. The sins of the best are many. (1) Be not altogether dismayed at the sight of failings. A godly person observed that Christians were usually to blame for three things: They seek for that in themselves which they can only find in Christ; for that in the law which shall only be had in the gospel; and that upon earth which shall only be enjoyed in heaven. We complain of sin; and when shall the earthly estate be free? You should not murmur, but run to your Advocate. (2) However, bewail these failings, the evils that abound in your hearts, in your duties, that you cannot serve God as entirely as you served Satan; your evil works were merely evil, but your good are not purely good; there your heart was poured out (Jude 1:11), here it is restrained; there is filthiness in your righteousness (Isaiah 64.) 3. To be able to bridle the tongue is an argument of some growth and happy progress in grace (Proverbs 18:21; Matthew 12:37; Proverbs 13:3). There were special reasons why our apostle should be so much in pressing it. (1) Because this was the sin of that age, as appeareth by the frequent dissuasions from vain boasting of themselves, and detracting from others, in the 1st and 2nd chapters; and it is a high point of grace not to be snared with the evils of our own times. (2) It is the best discovery of the heart; speech is the express image of it (Matthew 12:34). (3) It is the hypocrites' sin; they abstain from grosser actions, but usually offend in their words, in boasting professions, and proud censures (see James 1:26). (4) All of us are apt to offend with the tongue many ways; most of a man's sins are in his words. (5) It is a sin into which we usually and easily fall, partly by reason of that quick intercourse that is between the tongue and the heart — we sin in an instant; and partly because speech is a human act which is performed without labour; and so we sin that way incogitantly, without noting or judging it. Well, then, take care, not only of your actions, but your speeches (Psalm 39:1).Consider — 1. Your speeches are noted. Xenophon would have all speeches written, to make men more serious. They are recorded (James 2:12). Every idle word is brought into judgment (Matthew 12:36): light words weigh heavy in God's balance. 2. They are punished (Psalm 64:8). 3. Consider what a vile thing it is to abuse the tongue to strife, censure, or insultation. 4. It is not of small regard that God in nature would show that He hath set bounds to the tongue: He hath hedged it in with a row of teeth. For apt remedies — (1) Get a pure heart; there is the tongue's treasury and storehouse. A good man is always ready to discourse, not forced by the company, but because the law of God is in his heart (Proverbs 15:7). (2) Watch and guard speech (Proverbs 30:32). (3) All our endeavours are nothing. Go to God (Psalm 141:3). (4) That you may not offend in your words, let them be often employed about holy uses (Ephesians 4:29). (T. Manton.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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