Personal Maturity
“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.” James 3.2
Sometimes we are all guilty of a slip of the tongue. These things come upon us when we least expect it and are later regretted. James enforces this thought when he introduces this verse. This literally translates as: “In regards to many things, everyone stumbles.” Dr. Wuest translates it as: “For with reference to many things everybody stumbles.” Even though we each stumble in many ways, your ways may not be the same as someone else’s stumbles.
While this remains true, it seems that no one has reached perfection. As a matter of fact, allowing the tongue to slip without forethought and control is indicative of someone who is neither complete nor mature. Consequently, each of us has much wiggle room in the growth department. And, we should be aware, and tolerant, of those whose stumbles are different from our own.
It is not uncommon for us to speak out abrasively condemning the faults of others while we smooth over our own misgivings. We should be careful to give room for the Holy Spirit to work in those lives even as we expect Him to work in ours.
The word “offend” translates the Greek word “ptaio” meaning to stumble or slip. It is not “skandalizo” which indicates setting a trap for someone – something done intentionally. “Ptaio” indicates something completely unplanned – something that happens by surprise. Have you ever said something only to think later where it came from – something you may have never said or thought of before? You drive your car and are cut off by someone. Without warning or premeditation, something slips from your mouth that you never intended.
A “perfect” man (“téleios” – something that has reached its intended completion point) is one who is mature and ready for any situation. He has a spiritual safety belt securely attached to his anchor and before he slips, he knows he is safe. There is no need to have a knee-jerk reaction to anything because he is in perfect control. You may notice that James includes himself in this group of imperfect believers. No one has reached that point of completion. Even the Apostle Paul admitted this reality. (Romans 7.24)
Should someone reach the point at which he can control the tongue, James assures us that he has reached a level of spiritual maturity whereby he is able also to control the rest of who he is. James will point out how difficult it is to control the tongue – comparing it to various large structures. He will show the danger and harm it can cause, for once an ill-conceived word escapes the lips, it can never be recalled.
Bridling the tongue results in the ability (“dunatós” – “ability, power to accomplish”) to walk in a spiritually mature fashion as we serve our Savior in our mortal bodies.
Copyright © 2023 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
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