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.
Ver. 2. For in many things, &c.] This is triste mortalitatis privilegium, the sad privilege of mankind, as one phraseth it, to have leave to offend sometimes. Every pomegranate hath at least one rotten grain within it, saith Crates. And it is the honour of God alone to be perfect, saith Plato (Euphormio). Jerome pronounceth a curse upon him that shall say that the fulfilling of the whole law is impossible to any. But patres legendi cum venia; Jerome was out in this, and too to blame, μονου Θεου γερας εστι ειναι τετραγωνον. St James, a far better man than Jerome (for he was worthily called James the Just), affirmeth here of himself and other sanctified persons, We offend or stumble all, πταιομεν, impingimus omnes.
A perfect man] That is, a prudent man, Psalms 37:30,31 .