Articles
Caution, Teachers
James 3:1-12 is a well-known paragraph about controlling our tongues, but it is not a new subject in the book. Earlier, James cautioned us to be “slow to speak” (1:19) and warned that failure to bridle our tongues makes our religion worthless (1:26). He has also given several illustrations of foolish speech: preferential language in welcoming visitors (2:3), professing a faith which in fact has no works (2:14), and offering empty words of comfort to the poor (2:15-16).
Verse 1 establishes the context of James’s ensuing discussion: “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.” That statement is a thought-provoking counterpart to the rebuke of Hebrews 5:12, “By this time you ought to be teachers . . .” James did not want to discourage the development of teachers. He wanted to encourage their proper development; to ensure that all who undertake the work understand what it involves and its gravity.
Teaching is a vital function. The lost must be taught the saving gospel of Jesus Christ, new Christians must be trained how to live as Jesus’ disciples, growing Christians need to be instructed in the faith-building meatier matters of Scripture, and mature brethren must be reminded of all these things. We need good teachers!
What we do not need is teachers like those Paul described in 1 Timothy 1:7, those who are “wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.” Teachers who are selfishly motivated or unskillful or uninformed or poor personal examples can do a great deal of harm, both to themselves and their students. Jesus succinctly said, “And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit” (Matthew 15:14b).
James does not make any more direct references to teachers in this paragraph. His remarks about the tongue are generally applicable. Just keep in mind as you study this section that his primary application is to teachers. And notice that James includes himself in that application: “we will incur a stricter judgment.” The first lesson every teacher needs to learn is to apply the Scripture to himself before attempting to teach it to others.
