Charles Ellicott Commentary James 3:2

"For in many things we all stumble. If any stumbleth not in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also." — James 3:2 (ASV)

For in many things we offend all.—A better rendering is: For in many things we all offend. This is not, as might be inferred, “we are an offense to all,” as in Matthew 24:9; 1 Corinthians 4:13, and elsewhere. Indeed, James's holy mind was humble, but this confession of error elevates him in genuine appreciation and in no way diminishes him. The very human weakness of Peter, Paul, and James endears them to us, for in this way we know for certain that they were men of like passions with ourselves (Acts 14:15), and where they succeeded, we, by the same grace of God, may also win the crown.

If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man.—If this applies to any man, how much more to one who desires to teach others. To “offend” means to stumble over something and fall; in this sense, we understand the exact meaning of “offending” as making an unguarded allusion to a subject painful to another person. “A constant governance of our speech, according to duty and reason, is a prime example and strong proof of thoroughly sincere and solid goodness,” says Isaac Barrow; but the meekest of men once failed, and blessed indeed is he who takes heed to his ways that he sins not with his tongue (Psalms 39:1).

Able also to bridle the whole body.—This does not mean that if the tongue is controlled, all the members of the body are consequently at peace; but because the work of ruling the one rebel is so great that a much smaller corresponding effort will keep the other members in subjection.