John Calvin 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. This may be understood as a concession, as if he had said, “Suppose you find what is blameworthy in your brethren, for no one is free from sins; but do you think that you are perfect, you who use a slanderous and virulent tongue?” But James seems to me to exhort us by this argument to meekness, since we ourselves are also surrounded with many infirmities; for he acts unjustly who denies to others the pardon he needs himself. So also Paul says, when he instructs that the fallen are to be reproved kindly and in the spirit of meekness, for he immediately adds, “considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). For there is nothing that serves more to moderate extreme rigor than the knowledge of our own infirmity.

If any man offend not in word. After having said that there is no one who does not sin in many things, he now shows that the disease of evil-speaking is more odious than other sins. For by saying that he who does not offend with his tongue is perfect, he intimates that restraining the tongue is a great virtue, and one of the chief virtues. Therefore, they act most perversely who curiously examine every fault, even the least, and yet so grossly indulge themselves.

He then indirectly touches here on the hypocrisy of censors, because in examining themselves they omitted the chief thing, and that which was of great importance—namely, their evil-speaking. For they who reproved others pretended a zeal for perfect holiness, but they ought to have begun with the tongue, if they wished to be perfect. Since they took no account of bridling the tongue, but, on the contrary, bit and tore others, they exhibited only a fictitious sanctity. It is therefore evident that they were the most reprehensible of all, because they neglected a primary virtue. This connection makes the Apostle's meaning plain to us.