John Calvin Commentary James 3:1

"Be not many [of you] teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment." — James 3:1 (ASV)

Be not many masters. The common and almost universal interpretation of this passage is that the Apostle discourages the desire for the office of teaching. He does so because it is dangerous and exposes one to a heavier judgment if he transgresses. They think that he said, Be not many masters, because there should have been some. However, I understand 'masters' not as those who performed a public duty in the Church, but as those who took upon themselves the right of passing judgment upon others. For such reprovers sought to be regarded as 'masters of morals'. This reflects a manner of speaking common among both Greeks and Latins, where those who superciliously criticized others were called 'masters'.

He forbade them to be many for this reason: because many everywhere thrust themselves in. For it is, as it were, an innate disease in mankind to seek reputation by blaming others. In this respect, a twofold vice prevails: though few excel in wisdom, yet all intrude indiscriminately into the office of 'masters'; and then, few are influenced by a right motivation, for hypocrisy and ambition stimulate them, not a concern for the salvation of their brethren. It should be observed that James does not discourage those brotherly admonitions, which the Spirit so often and so earnestly recommends to us. Rather, he discourages that immoderate desire to condemn, which proceeds from ambition and pride, when anyone exalts himself against his neighbor, slanders, carps, bites, and malignantly seeks for what he may turn to a sinister purpose. This is usually done when impertinent censors of this kind insolently boast in the work of exposing the vices of others.

James calls us back from this outrage and annoyance. He adds a reason: those who are so severe towards others will undergo a heavier judgment. For he who judges the words and deeds of others according to the rule of extreme rigor imposes a hard law on himself; nor does he deserve pardon who will pardon none. This truth should be carefully observed: those who are too rigid towards their brethren provoke the severity of God against themselves.