Matthew Poole and continuators on James 3:1

1 MY brethren, be not many masters , knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation .

Let not every Man make himself a Master of other Mens Faith and Manners, a Censor, or supercilious Reprover of their Failings and Infirmities, Matth. 7.1. All Reproof is not here forbidden, neither Authoritative by Church Officers, nor Charitative by private Brethren, but that which is irregular [illegible: 1 letter]i[illegible: 1 letter]her in the ground of it, when that is false, or the manner of it, when it is masterly and imperious, or preposterous (as when we reprehend others, and are no less reprehensible our selves, Rom. 2.21.) or in the end of it, when we seek to advance our own Reputation by observing or aggravating others Faults, &c.

By how much the more severe and rigid we are in judging others, the greater will be our Judgment, not only from Men, who will be apt to retaliate, but from God himself, Matth. 7.1, 2, 3. Luke 6.33. Rom. 2.2, 3. See the like Expression, Mat. 23.8, 14.

Marginal references: Or, judgment.