1. My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
2. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

1. Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgment.
2. For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. New American Standard

As a teacher, or someone who is instructing others, it is vitally important not to take what you say lightly.  If you do not stumble or err in what you say you are considered ‘perfect’ and able to control your whole body.  We mess up in a lot of ways but if we don’t mess up in what we say we’re considered able to control what we do.  If we can accurately speak truth we will be able to accurately live truth.

When we are teaching, our words are especially important because we are speaking for the Lord, or at the very least, about the Lord.  There is a stricter judgment on teachers or those who are instructing others not only because of the importance of the words we speak, but also because when we teach we are looked at as speaking for Him or giving instruction about Him.

Be very careful of the instruction you give to others, especially instruction from the Bible or about God, because it’s important to accurately represent God and His Word.  Our desire should be to make the effort to seek and speak the truth.

Confession:

I realize God places great importance on what we teach others.  I will take the time to see that what I speak is accurate and truthful according to the Word of God.