| Geneva Study Bible For in many things we offend all. {3} If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. (3) The seventh place, concerning the bridling of the tongue, joined with the former, so that it is revealed that there is no man in who can not justly be found fault as well, seeing as it is a rare virtue to bridle the tongue. People's New Testament 3:2 For in many things we offend all. All are liable to stumble and make mistakes. These can hardly be excused in the teacher. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man. He who controls his tongue gives proof of his ability to maintain entire self control. Wesley's Notes 3:2 The same is able to bridle the whole body - That is, the whole man. And doubtless some are able to do this, and so are in this sense perfect. Scofield Reference Notes Margin perfect See Scofield Note: "Mt 5:48". Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 2. all-The Greek implies "all without exception": even the apostles. offend not-literally "stumbleth not": is void of offence or "slip" in word: in which respect one is especially tried who sets up to be a "teacher." Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 3:1-12 We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and every condition of life, private or public, affords examples of this. Hell has more to do in promoting the fire of the tongue than men generally think; and whenever men's tongues are employed in sinful ways, they are set on fire of hell. No man can tame the tongue without Divine grace and assistance. The apostle does not represent it as impossible, but as extremely difficult. Other sins decay with age, this many times gets worse; we grow more froward and fretful, as natural strength decays, and the days come on in which we have no pleasure. When other sins are tamed and subdued by the infirmities of age, the spirit often grows more tart, nature being drawn down to the dregs, and the words used become more passionate. That man's tongue confutes itself, which at one time pretends to adore the perfections of God, and to refer all things to him; and at another time condemns even good men, if they do not use the same words and expressions. True religion will not admit of contradictions: how many sins would be prevented, if men would always be consistent! Pious and edifying language is the genuine produce of a sanctified heart; and none who understand Christianity, expect to hear curses, lies, boastings, and revilings from a true believer's mouth, any more than they look for the fruit of one tree from another. But facts prove that more professors succeed in bridling their senses and appetites, than in duly restraining their tongues. Then, depending on Divine grace, let us take heed to bless and curse not; and let us aim to be consistent in our words and actions. | 
