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In this verse we find a rather interesting complaint: too many teachers. Apparently, there were a large group of them striving to occupy the office of teacher among them. This would be disastrous for the "teachers" as well as the congregation because of the judgment they would incur by both the public and God. Too many of our congregations fail to grasp the seriousness of this position. They feel that if someone indicates an interest in teaching, they should go ahead and give them a Sunday School class, home Bible study group or other teaching opportunities to see if they have "the gift." It is never enough to assume that just because someone can outline a passage or define terms or list applications that they are automatically qualified for any teaching position. What about their testimony? What about their experience with applying the text to their own life? Just because someone can wade in the water doesn't mean that they should be a lifeguard! James is desperately trying to teach us that a qualified teacher must first be a successful student. It will be during our training years that we learn which spiritual gift God has given us and where we can do the best service in the body of Christ. Someone who thought they had the gift of teaching my discover that they may have the gift of administration or helps and serve in that capacity instead. Only our dependence on Christ will reveal what it is the Lord would really have us do in the Church and which will reap the greatest reward and the least amount of judgment at the Bema Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10).