How can anyone be "perfect" (James 3:2)? Can anyone attain perfection?
James 3:2 English Standard Version (ESV) 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
James 3:2
ESV - 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
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Asked March 02 2020
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Jack Gutknecht
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For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Danny Hickman
The scripture referenced here, James 3:2, isn't meant to pressure anyone to check their "personal perfection calculation." The Scriptures shouldn't intimidate us. I think they do, in many instances. I don't think this is one of them cases. We know who we are; every one of us. Romans 3:23 is the go to: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." But the last line of vs 22 is routinely omitted. It ends with a colon that precedes vs 23. (here it is) "For there is no distinction."
I guess if we try hard enough, we can claim Romans 3:23 to be speaking of our past; that after being born of the Spirit of God, we put on the new man (Ephesians 4:22-24) and sin is in our rear view mirror. But what do we do about this? "If we say we HAVE no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8). (emphasis mine)
James is drawing our attention to the power of the tongue. He isn't telling us to try to tame it. In fact, he begins by saying 'the tongue can't be tamed.' He summarized by saying, "out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing," and that it shouldn't be that way. Now, if it can't be controlled, why tell us about it? (Go back to the top):
"Let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment" (Jas 3:1).
That's it! We need to stick to what we've been gifted to do BY FAITH. That flowed from chpt 2: "Faith without works is dead." Our "speech" should show our works are done with meekness and with wisdom.
Jack Gutknecht
Danny,
I appreciate your thoughtful breakdown. A few thoughts:
1. Context matters. James uses "perfect" (teleios) more as "mature" or "complete" than "sinlessly flawless" (see James 1:4). He's pointing to spiritual maturity, not absolute sinlessness.
2. You're right about 1 John 1:8. It's present tense, meaning even mature believers still stumble. The goal isn't never stumbling; it's growing in consistency, especially with speech.
3. James shows irony. He says the tongue can't be tamed (v. 8), yet the person who controls it is "perfect." He's using that as a measuring stick to show how powerful and dangerous the tongue is, not as a realistic standard to achieve.
4. Your point about faith and gifts is solid. James 3:13-18 contrasts earthly and heavenly wisdom, meekness, and peace. We tame the tongue by walking in the Spirit, not by self-effort.
5. Can anyone attain perfection? No, not absolutely. Philippians 3:12 shows Paul hadn't arrived. Perfection is our destination, not our current address. But we can grow in maturity, and James calls us to that.
James 3:2 isn't a threat; it's an invitation to grow up in how we speak. And when we fail, 1 John 1:9 covers us.
Thanks forthis!
Grace and peace,
Jack
Danny Hickman
Amen, Jack! Good teaching!!