My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. Be not, х ginethe (G1096)] - become not: taking the office too hastily, of your own accord.
Many. The office is noble; but few are fit for it. Few govern the tongue well. (James 3:2); only such are fit for the office; therefore 'teachers' ought not to be many.
Masters, х didaskaloi (G1320)] - 'teachers.' The Jews were prone to this presumption. The ides that faith without works (James 2:1-26) is all that is required, prompted "many" to set up as 'teachers,' as in all ages of the Church. At first all were allowed to teach in turns. Even their inspired gifts did not prevent liability to abuse; much more so when self-constituted teachers have no such gifts.
Knowing - as all might know.
We shall receive the greater condemnation. James, in a humble spirit, includes himself: if we teachers abuse the office, we shall receive greater condemnation than mere hearers? (cf. Luke 12:42-46). Calvin also translates "masters" - i:e., self-constituted censors of others. So James 4:12.