Not Many Should Be Teachers

As James heads into a broader discussion of the power (and evil) exercised by our tongues in chap 3, he begins with a quick word cautioning us in our rush to be recognized and our hurry to be heard. We shouldn't push into a pulpit. Teaching others is serious business and should only be done by men who are called, conscientious, and contrite. While this has particular application to teachers, the principles extend to all of us. When we speak, we speak as those under authority, answerable to authority, and needing mercy from authority.