Teachers Beware

August 3rd, 2026
by Lance Waldie

James 3:1-2 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.

Having just taught on the importance of works as a vindication of one’s saving faith in 2:14-26, James clarifies that words are works, for as Jesus said, “By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt. 12:37). If “true religion” includes bridling one’s tongue (1:26; cf. 1:19-20; 2:12), then no one would better understand this than teachers of the gospel, like James, who included himself among those who teach in 3:1.

The gift of teaching was (and is) a very high calling given by the Holy Spirit to some in the Church (1 Cor. 12:28; cf. Acts 13:1; Rom. 12:7; Eph. 4:11). Whereas the prophets gave divine revelation to God’s people (cf. 1 Cor. 14:30), teachers explained God’s revelation (cf. 2 Tim. 2:2). As a coveted spiritual gift, it is likely that many sought to teach in the early Church, whether or not they had the gift, intellectual acumen, or the necessary training. Perhaps there was a rush to teach among the Jerusalem Christians, and James was aware that not everyone’s intentions in teaching were pure. After all, teaching brings attention to one’s intellect and garners respect. So, singling out teachers as those who should be cautious with their speech, James was not just addressing rabbis and evangelists but anyone who teaches at any level. All should take heed, for our tongues can go to great extremes—bringing forth words that can destroy a person or heal a hurting soul (cf. Prov. 12:18).

Claiming a “stricter judgment” for teachers, James wishes to dissuade some aspiring teachers. This would not have been new to James’ mostly Jewish audience, for the Proverbs of Solomon frequently single out speech habits as an indicator of holiness (e.g., 10:8, 11, 21; 11:9; 12:18, 25; 13:3; 16:27; 17:14; 18:7, 21; 26:22). With this in mind, a true teacher of God would come humbly to his calling, knowing that everything he says will be heard and judged by God.

The word for “judgment” (Gr. krima) in v. 1 is better translated “discipline” (cf. Mark 12:40), for no Christian will face judgment or condemnation (cf. Rom. 8:1), only discipline (cf. Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10). James is simply warning teachers that they are more accountable for what they say than non-teachers. Since a teacher’s service to the Church involves verbal communication, and since this means controlling the hardest part of the body—the tongue, James wants Christian teachers to know that sin lurks as we speak, both tempting us to false doctrine or hypocritical speech. Jesus Himself cautions teachers, saying, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more” (Luke 12:48). Paul knew this, and was able to boldly declare to the people of Ephesus: “I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God” (Acts 20:26-27).

James was certainly not advocating that teachers be perfect, for he knew that “we all stumble in many ways” (v. 2). The word “stumble” (Gr. ptaiō) can refer to imperfection, apostatizing, or sinning (2:10; Rom. 11:11; 2 Pet. 1:10). The only one who never stumbled was Christ, for Jesus was “a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.” Only He was sinless. So, those who teach in the Church would do well to preach the words of Jesus Christ, words that were without error both when they were spoken and when they were written. James would have had both false teachers in mind as well as orthodox teachers when he wrote what he did. The former both ignore and twist the words of God; the latter have a propensity to compromise. Either way, James is clear that potential teachers should beware of what they say and do. There are monumental implications, both temporary and eternal, for reckless teachers.

Food For Thought
Our modern world is full of teachers, many of which pose as Christians teaching truth. Sadly, too many teach only the contents of their own minds, not biblical truth. Although James does not address this, the implication is clear, not only for teachers but for listeners. As listeners, we have a responsibility to listen to the right teachers—those who both know biblical doctrine and practice it. Don’t just believe anyone because of their education or because they have a Bible in their hands. Know your Bible well enough to determine when you’re hearing a false teacher. And when you hear one, walk away and find an orthodox teacher of God’s word. They do exist!