James 1:22
Verse
Context
Hearing and Doing
21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls.22Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.23For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror,
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But be ye doers of the word - They had heard this doctrine; they had believed it; but they had put it to no practical use. They were downright Antinomians, who put a sort of stupid, inactive faith in the place of all moral righteousness. This is sufficiently evident from the second chapter. Deceiving your own selves - Παραλογιζομενοι ἑαυτους· Imposing on your own selves by sophistical arguments; this is the meaning of the words. They had reasoned themselves into a state of carnal security, and the object of St. James is, to awake them out of their sleep.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Qualification of the precept, "Be swift to hear": "Be ye doers . . . not hearers only"; not merely "Do the word," but "Be doers" systematically and continually, as if this was your regular business. James here again refers to the Sermon on the Mount (Mat 7:21-29). deceiving your own selves--by the logical fallacy (the Greek implies this) that the mere hearing is all that is needed.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But be ye doers of the word,.... And they are such, who spiritually understand it; gladly receive it; and from the heart obey it, and make a sincere and ingenuous profession of it; and who submit to the ordinances it directs to, and keep them as they have been delivered; and live, and walk, becoming their profession of it. The Arabic and Ethiopic versions read, "be ye doers of the law"; and so one of Stephens's copies, as in Rom 2:13 and not hearers only; though the word should be heard swiftly and readily, and received with meekness; yet it should not be barely heard, and assented to; but what is heard should be put in practice; and especially men should not depend upon their hearing, as if that would save them; this is deceiving your own selves; such as rest upon the outward hearing of the word will be sadly deceived, and will find themselves miserably mistaken, another day; see Luk 13:25. Arguments taken from hence are like the sophisms, paralogisms, and false reasonings of sophisters, which carry a fair show, and ensnare and deceive.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:22-23 In several places, James appears to be reflecting on Jesus’ teachings. These verses reflect the teaching of Jesus (Matt 7:24, 26; Luke 6:46, 49). 1:22 don’t just listen to God’s word: Reading the scriptures was an important part of worship (Luke 4:16-17; Acts 13:13-16; Col 4:16; 1 Tim 4:13). Since most people could not read and copies were not readily available, they listened to the readings in public worship.
James 1:22
Hearing and Doing
21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls.22Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.23For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1 Peter - Part 18): On Laying Aside Certain Things
By A.W. Tozer26K39:05Laying AsideDEU 8:3JOS 1:8PSA 119:11PRO 4:20MAT 6:33JAS 1:221PE 2:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that it is God who infuses the element of eternity into everything. Without God's intervention, mortality and corruptibility are inevitable. The preacher highlights that even the most privileged and intelligent individuals will eventually die, as it is appointed for all humans. However, the preacher also emphasizes that the Word of God calls believers to action, urging them to lay aside malice, guile, hypocrisy, envy, and evil speaking. The preacher encourages listeners to desire the sincere milk of the Word in order to grow spiritually, emphasizing that they are the subjects of the sentence and have the ability to lay aside these negative traits. The preacher concludes by posing the question of how a person can cleanse their own heart or purge their own soul, comparing it to how a person can wash their own hands.
God Uses Foolish Things
By Jackie Pullinger21K1:10:12Foolish ThingsPRO 3:5MAT 6:33ROM 8:28JAS 1:22In this video, the speaker discusses the importance of scoring a three, two, and four in a specific process. They mention the idea of a snow-covered holiday and walking on snow. The speaker also talks about adding a sketchy name and keeping it in the description. They emphasize the need to get into the world and make an impact on people's lives. The speaker questions how people feel when they die and encourages practicing and being present in the world. They mention Jesus and his role as a mediator and discuss the importance of trust in platforms.
Healing - Part 2
By Derek Prince21K23:45HealingGEN 12:2EXO 15:26DEU 28:1PSA 1:1PRO 4:20MAT 6:33JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of using the gift that God has given us. He shares his personal experience of receiving more of God's gifts by choosing to use the initial gift he was given. The speaker encourages the audience to have an inclined ear, to be teachable and open to what God wants to say to them. He also emphasizes the significance of keeping God's words in their hearts, as what is in their hearts will determine their experiences in life. The sermon concludes with the speaker ministering to the sick and sharing a testimony of a woman whose legs were lengthened through prayer.
(Costa Rica) Another Gospel
By David Wilkerson15K54:46Another GospelPRO 15:28MAT 6:24ACT 1:82TH 2:31TI 6:102TI 4:2JAS 1:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discerning false teachings and being cautious of preachers who mix the gospel with harmful messages. He shares a story about an encounter with a woman who received an envelope as an offering, but it took a long time for the actual offering to be collected. The preacher warns that even though a preacher may sound deep and deliver a good message, if there is no mention of sin and a lot of focus on money, it may be a sign of a false teaching. He also shares a personal experience of preaching a strong message and feeling fear that he may have wounded God's people, but later realizing that his message was changing hearts. The preacher concludes by warning that another gospel is coming to the church and urges believers to stay true to the gospel and not compromise, even if it may offend people.
Soldiers of Christ Arise
By A.W. Tozer13K31:34WarfareEZK 33:32MAT 6:33JHN 14:15ROM 12:2EPH 6:122TI 2:3JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker criticizes certain leaders who he believes are leading young people astray by portraying the Christian life as a game. He argues that this mindset affects various aspects of Christian culture, such as music and magazines. The speaker also mentions that he will be speaking at a convention of religious writers and editors, where he expects to have a more challenging and confrontational discussion. He emphasizes the importance of being a good soldier of Jesus Christ and willingly embracing hardship for the sake of the faith. The sermon concludes with a reference to the story of John Bunyan's "Christian entering heaven" from "The Pilgrim's Progress."
Self Denial (Reading)
By John Wesley12K31:17Audio BooksPSA 27:14ECC 9:10MAT 5:16LUK 9:23JHN 4:81TI 4:16JAS 1:22In this video, James Christian introduces the John Wesley Sermon series and encourages listeners to engage with classic Christian texts in audiobook form. He emphasizes the importance of practicing the teachings of the word of God daily and without interruption. The sermon focuses on the concept of self-denial, as Jesus instructs his disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow him. James Christian highlights the significance of applying this teaching to one's own life and seeking strength from God to practice it immediately and universally in all circumstances.
Watchman Nee - a Modern Day Vessel (Testimony by Stephen Kaung)
By Watchman Nee9.1K1:00:12PSA 73:25MAT 6:33ACT 20:72TI 2:20HEB 12:1HEB 13:8JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of breaking bread together as a way to remember the Lord. He shares the story of Lee Lung and his wife, who started breaking bread together and felt the presence of the Lord. The speaker also talks about the obedience of Lee Lung and how he yielded to the Lord's love and accepted Jesus as both his Savior and Lord. The sermon emphasizes the unity of brothers and sisters in consecrating their lives to the Lord and the importance of praying for others before preaching the gospel to them.
The Morning Watch - Part 1
By Oswald J. Smith8.5K37:09Morning DevotionsPSA 5:3PSA 119:105MAT 6:33JHN 1:1ACT 6:41TH 5:17JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of the morning watch, which is a dedicated time of studying the Word of God and engaging in prayer. The speaker emphasizes that failure and weakness in the Christian life can be attributed to neglecting the morning watch. They share personal experiences of how God led them to prioritize studying the Bible and committing to prayer. The speaker encourages listeners to observe the morning watch in order to avoid losing the joy of salvation, slipping back into sinful habits, and experiencing disappointment in their Christian walk.
"Embarrassment to a Holy God"
By Leonard Ravenhill8.4K00:34MAT 6:19ACT 17:61CO 1:27JAS 1:221JN 2:15This sermon challenges the modern Church to reflect on the early Christians who, despite lacking grand resources or platforms, were able to turn the world upside down with their faith and dedication. The speaker expresses disappointment in the current state of the Church, suggesting that it falls short of the standards set by the early believers. There is a call to reexamine priorities, moving away from superficial joy and entertainment towards a deeper, more impactful faith that truly honors God.
(Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Idleness and Busyness
By A.W. Tozer8.3K25:35BusynessPRO 14:23PRO 16:3DAN 6:10MAT 6:33JHN 1:1EPH 5:15JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker discusses the dangers that Christians may encounter on their spiritual journey. The speaker emphasizes the importance of walking circumspectly and not being foolish, but wise. They also highlight the need for Christians to take time to cultivate their relationship with God, just as Dr. Rubin Atorio did by taking two weeks off every year to spend time in nature and reflect on God's truth. The speaker warns against excessive religious work, as it can hinder the effectiveness of one's spiritual work. They encourage Christians to find their place in the kingdom of God and contribute in meaningful ways, using the example of a man who took care of the church lawn and saw it flourish under his care.
(The Testimony of Jesus Is the Spirit of Prophecy) Ascending the Holy Hill
By Art Katz8.0K1:11:26Personal HolinessPSA 119:105ISA 55:11MAT 4:4ROM 10:172TI 3:16HEB 4:12JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching and the need for it to be restored to its exalted status in the church. He shares the story of a Swiss pastor named Calbot who took his preaching obligation seriously and sought God for understanding. The speaker highlights the need for believers to spend time in the Holy Word and to contemplate its message. He also references the story of Moses ascending the mountain to receive the tablets of the law, emphasizing the significance of someone daring to make the ascent and open the gate for the King of glory to enter the world.
Are You Developing a Hard Heart
By David Wilkerson7.3K59:27Hard HeartISA 1:4ISA 1:16ISA 6:1MAT 6:33ROM 2:21HEB 4:12JAS 1:22In this sermon, the preacher discusses the passage from Isaiah 6:9-10 where God sends Isaiah on a mission to a people who will not understand or perceive his message. The preacher emphasizes the incredulity and concern of Isaiah, questioning how long a people can endure such hardness of heart. The preacher warns the congregation about developing a hard heart themselves and highlights the danger of focusing on the sins of others without addressing one's own sins. The sermon concludes with a personal anecdote about a legalistic evangelist and the importance of showing love and compassion like Jesus.
Francis Chan's Wife Shares About Surrendering All
By Francis Chan7.0K05:02PRO 3:5MAT 25:21LUK 9:23LUK 14:26LUK 14:33JAS 1:22This sermon focuses on the journey of surrender and obedience to God's calling, particularly in the context of marriage and family life. It delves into the struggle of denying oneself, stepping out of comfort zones, and being willing to sacrifice personal desires for the sake of following Christ wholeheartedly. The speaker shares personal reflections on the challenges and blessings of aligning with God's will, emphasizing the importance of being true disciples who renounce all to follow Jesus.
The Greatest Sin in the Church
By Stephen Olford6.6K28:37Obedience1SA 15:221SA 16:1MAT 6:33ROM 6:16JAS 1:221JN 2:3REV 3:20In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the greatest sin in the Church and aims to uncover what it is. The sermon begins by referencing 1 Samuel 15:22, where Samuel questions the importance of burnt offerings and sacrifices compared to obeying the voice of the Lord. The preacher highlights the significance of obedience over sacrifice and recounts the story of Samuel, who was initially small in his own eyes but later elected to choose his own terms of obedience. The sermon emphasizes the importance of wholehearted obedience and its impact on one's spiritual life and salvation.
A Call to the Church (The Spirit of Truth)
By Art Katz6.1K52:31Spirit of Truth1SA 15:91SA 15:20MAT 6:33ACT 5:1HEB 13:8JAS 1:22In this sermon titled "The Spirit of Truth" delivered by Art Katz, he discusses the importance of the Holy Spirit in the church. He emphasizes that without the presence of the Holy Spirit, all religious activities and efforts are in vain. Katz refers to a strange apostolic episode in the book of Acts, where Ananias and his wife Sapphira lied about the sale of their land and were struck dead by God. This story serves as a warning against deceit and disobedience in the church. Katz challenges the listeners to examine their own hearts and ensure they are not seeking to fabricate the presence of God, but rather relying on the Holy Spirit.
(Blood Covenant) 3 - Our Covenant With Christ
By Milton Green6.1K1:01:27Blood Covenant2CO 6:14JAS 1:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the destructive nature of sin and its opposition to the covenant and love of God. Sin is described as self-centeredness, selfishness, and self-exalting, and is attributed to the ministry of Satan, the power of darkness, and the nature of the flesh. The preacher warns against being deceived and encourages practicing righteousness. The sermon also references Ephesians 4, highlighting the importance of walking in accordance with God's Word and challenging listeners to examine their beliefs and traditions in light of the Scriptures.
Salvation
By Francis Chan5.8K39:42MAT 13:18LUK 8:11LUK 8:21ACT 2:37JAS 1:22This sermon emphasizes the importance of truly hearing and obeying the word of God, likening different responses to the message to different types of soil in the parable of the sower. It challenges listeners to examine their hearts and ensure they are not hindered by fear, distractions, or love for worldly things, but to be the good soil that hears, holds fast to the word, and bears fruit with patience. The ultimate call is to be those who not only hear the word of God but actively live it out.
A Living Sacrifice - Part 2
By Paul Washer5.8K42:59SacrificeMAT 7:24JAS 1:22In this sermon, a young man sitting on the front row repeatedly gets up and runs out of the tent after the preacher reaches his first point. When asked about his behavior, the young man explains that he realizes the first point is not a reality in his life and feels the need to go out and pray about it. The preacher expresses his admiration for the young man's seriousness and encourages the congregation to take their spiritual growth just as seriously. The sermon then delves into various topics, including the importance of submitting to God's will, the consequences of trying to help God, and the need to deal with personal struggles and temptations.
(Sermon Preparation) Lecture 02
By Alan Redpath5.4K26:28Sermon PreparationPSA 37:23PRO 3:5MAT 6:33JHN 8:32EPH 4:152TI 2:15JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of embracing one's own individuality when preaching and proclaiming the gospel. He highlights that the New Testament writers had different styles, and therefore, each preacher should be themselves and not try to copy others. The speaker emphasizes that the gospel is communicated through individuals, and it is important to avoid becoming carbon copies of others. He warns against the tendency to repress one's personality and urges listeners to avoid copying others, as it is the worst form of flattery.
3-Minute Call to Prayer
By George Verwer5.4K02:53Need For PrayerMAT 6:331CO 10:13EPH 6:171TH 5:171TI 2:1JAS 1:221PE 5:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer in the church and the consequences of neglecting it. He highlights the decline of prayer meetings in America and attributes many societal issues, such as divorce and immorality, to the lack of spiritual warfare and prayer. The speaker urges the congregation to recommit their lives to God and to be obedient in wearing the whole armor of God, including the shield of faith and the sword of the spirit. He also acknowledges the presence of men and women of prayer, but expresses his concern that there are not enough individuals who take prayer seriously.
A Certain Sound
By Manley Beasley5.2K1:04:44Christian LifeMAT 6:33ROM 12:21CO 13:81CO 14:9EPH 4:142TI 2:15JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker begins by asking for prayers for the upcoming multimedia presentation in Europe. He then reads a passage from the Bible and discusses the importance of being aware of certain issues in the world today. The speaker emphasizes that he is not trying to provide a structured teaching, but rather wants to raise awareness and encourage listeners to seek guidance through Bible study, prayer, and personal experiences. The sermon highlights the significance of staying balanced as a Christian and the need to recognize and combat the strategies of the devil, particularly his attempts to create uncertainty among believers.
The Sin of Going to Church Unprepared
By David Wilkerson5.2K1:10:33EXO 25:8PSA 24:3PRO 4:23MAT 6:33LUK 6:451CO 12:18JAS 1:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a supportive church community in order to overcome sin and achieve victory in life. He encourages individuals to seek help from God's people and to recognize that they are all connected as one body. The preacher also addresses the need for self-reflection and asks the congregation to pray for God to reveal their blind spots and areas of anger. He warns against being deceived by false teachings and emphasizes the importance of preparing one's heart and creating a habitation for God's presence.
Hard-Heartedness in the Body of Christ
By David Wilkerson4.8K46:19LukewarmnessPRO 18:21PRO 26:20GAL 6:7HEB 3:7JAS 1:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of daily prayer and Bible reading. He warns the congregation about the impending hard times and chaos that will come to the city. The preacher urges the listeners to prioritize their spiritual growth and not neglect the Word of God. He emphasizes the need for a tender and loving heart that is open to receiving God's reproof and correction.
(A Heavenly Church) 5. Faith When We Have Failed
By Zac Poonen4.7K54:19PSA 119:11MAT 4:4MAT 22:37JHN 8:31ACT 2:422TI 3:16JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering our past and the pit from which God has pulled us out. He uses the example of Jacob, who was broken and made lame by God before becoming Israel. Forgetting our past and the purification from our former sins can lead to spiritual blindness. The speaker also highlights the need to humble ourselves and allow God to do a thorough work in our lives, even when faced with misunderstandings and criticism. Additionally, he discusses the temptation of Jesus and the importance of resisting the urge to use our gifts and anointing for personal gain, instead encouraging selflessness and giving freely.
The Carnal Christian
By A.W. Tozer4.6K35:14Carnal ChristiansPRO 3:5MAT 6:33ROM 12:21CO 10:31COL 3:23JAS 1:221PE 3:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of living above our feelings and senses as Christians. He shares a story about a young man who struggled with having the desire to pray and emphasizes that this is a common issue among the modern generation of Christians. The preacher highlights the temptation to blame secondary causes and encourages listeners to shift their focus away from themselves and towards spiritual things. He concludes by stating that there is no instant transformation into a spiritual person, but rather it is a process that requires purpose and a focus on the character within.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But be ye doers of the word - They had heard this doctrine; they had believed it; but they had put it to no practical use. They were downright Antinomians, who put a sort of stupid, inactive faith in the place of all moral righteousness. This is sufficiently evident from the second chapter. Deceiving your own selves - Παραλογιζομενοι ἑαυτους· Imposing on your own selves by sophistical arguments; this is the meaning of the words. They had reasoned themselves into a state of carnal security, and the object of St. James is, to awake them out of their sleep.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Qualification of the precept, "Be swift to hear": "Be ye doers . . . not hearers only"; not merely "Do the word," but "Be doers" systematically and continually, as if this was your regular business. James here again refers to the Sermon on the Mount (Mat 7:21-29). deceiving your own selves--by the logical fallacy (the Greek implies this) that the mere hearing is all that is needed.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But be ye doers of the word,.... And they are such, who spiritually understand it; gladly receive it; and from the heart obey it, and make a sincere and ingenuous profession of it; and who submit to the ordinances it directs to, and keep them as they have been delivered; and live, and walk, becoming their profession of it. The Arabic and Ethiopic versions read, "be ye doers of the law"; and so one of Stephens's copies, as in Rom 2:13 and not hearers only; though the word should be heard swiftly and readily, and received with meekness; yet it should not be barely heard, and assented to; but what is heard should be put in practice; and especially men should not depend upon their hearing, as if that would save them; this is deceiving your own selves; such as rest upon the outward hearing of the word will be sadly deceived, and will find themselves miserably mistaken, another day; see Luk 13:25. Arguments taken from hence are like the sophisms, paralogisms, and false reasonings of sophisters, which carry a fair show, and ensnare and deceive.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:22-23 In several places, James appears to be reflecting on Jesus’ teachings. These verses reflect the teaching of Jesus (Matt 7:24, 26; Luke 6:46, 49). 1:22 don’t just listen to God’s word: Reading the scriptures was an important part of worship (Luke 4:16-17; Acts 13:13-16; Col 4:16; 1 Tim 4:13). Since most people could not read and copies were not readily available, they listened to the readings in public worship.