James 3:2

Verse 2. For in many things we offend all.

That is, we teachers offend all in many things. If we follow the Syriac, the expression is not limited to teachers, but applies equally to every Christian. The language is: "For we all offend in many things." I accept this as the mind of the Spirit, for it better accords with the succeeding paragraph, and is the most natural. The reason is this: all, whether teacher or taught, are possessed with the same natural infirmities.

If any man offend not in word.

Offenses in their character, nature and description are of two kinds: (1) Offenses growing out of words only; (2) offenses growing out of actions. Offenses most frequently originate from words. Now, the man who does not offend in his speech is a perfect, a complete man; not perfect in the absolute sense, but a man of great virtue, and, as compared with his fellowman, he is perfect. Such a one has reached a point in his Christian life that he is able to control his whole body; that is, so to keep it in subjection as to give offense to none. To such you can well apply the simile. He is able to bridle the whole body.