James 3:1

My brethren. See James 2:1, 5, 14; see on James 1:2. The apostle continues the main themes introduced in James 1. He urges his fellow church members to make a life habit of hearing and studying the “engrafted word” (see on James 1:19, 21, 25). This program will result in “meekness” (James 1:21), impartiality to rich and poor (James 2:1-13), and genuine faith (James 2:15-26). Furthermore, a proper understanding of the goal of Christlikeness will give urgency to the necessity for control over hasty speech (see on chs. 1:19, 26; 2:12). Chapter 3 expounds the responsibility of each church member with respect to hasty, ill-advised speech (see on vs. 2-8). This chapter further amplifies the inseparability of faith and works, in that genuine faith is manifested in a Christlike character (see on vs. 9-18).

Be not. Or, “stop becoming.”

Masters. Gr. didaskaloi, “teachers.” In the economy of the Christian church the Holy Spirit qualifies certain persons to be teachers (see on Eph. 4:11).

We. The apostle includes himself, both as a teacher and as one prone to the dangers and mistakes of this high office. In so doing he reveals the spirit of genuine humility that he also urges upon his brethren.

Greater condemnation. That is, a more severe judgment. There are degrees of responsibility in the work of the Lord, and those who presume to teach will be held accountable both for their personal conduct and for their influence upon others (see on Matt. 23:14). The teacher is expected to know God’s will more thoroughly than others, and his conduct should be correspondingly exemplary.