Title: Don't Be Many Teachers/James 3
The book of James is one of the 'common epistles' (James, Peter, and John) sent to several churches, not to any specific church, and is a letter of exhortation on the practical life of the church and the saints. Chapter 3 is a message of exhortation and warning to church leaders, especially teachers. Because the responsibility of the church's leader and teacher is heavy, he advised not to try to become a leader and teacher (see Matthew 23:8).
1 “If he does not stumble in his words, he is a perfect man” (1-12)
One of the important things in the lives of church leaders is to be careful with their words. If there is no mistake in words, he is said to be a perfect person. It is a mistake to point out, ridicule, or condemn the faults of others, or to point out, boast, or glorify one's own good deeds. Words are like the rudder of a boat that determines a person's fate, and a fire that can burn a person's life Mistakes can ruin your life or the lives of others. Here, the ‘wheel of life’ refers to a person’s lifetime.
2 “Who among you has wisdom and understanding?” (13-18)
Another important thing in the life of church leaders is to have wisdom and understanding. The importance of wisdom has already been mentioned in Chapter 1. The seven deacons were “full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3). True wisdom shows good deeds with meekness. Wisdom mixed with envy and strife, that is, wisdom that lusts for fame or gain, is false wisdom that is worldly, lustful, and demonic. True wisdom is wisdom from above, and its characteristics are full of holiness, peace, generosity, obedience, mercy, and good fruit. True wisdom is free from partiality (difficulty) and lies ((hyperception), and eventually it is planted in peace and reaps the fruit of righteousness.