James 1:26
Verse
Context
Hearing and Doing
25But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does.26If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.27Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Seem to be religious - The words θρησκος and θρησκεια, which we translate religious and religion, (see the next verse), are of very uncertain etymology. Suidas, under the word θρησκευει, which he translates θεοσεβει, ὑπηρετει τοις θεοις, he worships or serves the gods, accounts for the derivation thus: "It is said that Orpheus, a Thracian, instituted the mysteries (or religious rites) of the Greeks, and called the worshipping of God θρησκευειν threskeuein, as being a Thracian invention." Whatever its derivation may be, the word is used both to signify true religion, and superstition or heterodoxy. See Hesychius, and see on Jam 1:27 (note). Bridleth not his tongue - He who speaks not according to the oracles of God, whatever pretences he makes to religion, only shows, by his want of scriptural knowledge, that his religion is false, ματαιος, or empty of solid truth, profit to others, and good to himself. Such a person should bridle his tongue, put the bit in his mouth; and particularly if he be a professed teacher of religion; ho matter where he has studied, or what else he has learned, if he have not learned religion, he can never teach it. And religion is of such a nature that no man can learn it but by experience; he who does not feel the doctrine of God to be the power of God to the salvation of his soul, can neither teach religion, nor act according to its dictates, because he is an unconverted, unrenewed man. If he be old, let him retire to the desert, and pray to God for light; if he be in the prime of life, let him turn his attention to some honest calling; if he be young, let him tarry at Jericho till his beard grows.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
An example of doing work. religious . . . religion--The Greek expresses the external service or exercise of religion, "godliness" being the internal soul of it. "If any man think himself to be (so the Greek) religious, that is, observant of the offices of religion, let him know these consist not so much in outward observances, as in such acts of mercy and humble piety (Mic 6:7-8) as visiting the fatherless, &c., and keeping one's self unspotted from the world" (Mat 23:23). James does not mean that these offices are the great essentials, or sum total of religion; but that, whereas the law service was merely ceremonial, the very services of the Gospel consist in acts of mercy and holiness, and it has light for its garment, its very robe being righteousness [TRENCH]. The Greek word is only found in Act 26:5, "after the straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee." Col 2:18, "worshipping of angels." bridleth not . . . tongue--Discretion in speech is better than fluency of speech (compare Jam 3:2-3). Compare Psa 39:1. God alone can enable us to do so. James, in treating of the law, naturally notices this sin. For they who are free from grosser sins, and even bear the outward show of sanctity, will often exalt themselves by detracting others under the pretense of zeal, while their real motive is love of evil-speaking [CALVIN]. heart--It and the tongue act and react on one another.
John Gill Bible Commentary
If any man among you seem to be religious,.... By his preaching, or praying, and hearing, and other external duties of religion, he is constant in the observance of; and who, upon the account of these things, "thinks himself to be a religious man", as the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions render it; or is thought to be so by others: and bridleth not his tongue; but boasts of his works, and speaks ill of his brethren; backbites them, and hurts their names and characters, by private insinuations, and public charges without any foundation; who takes no care of what he says, but gives his tongue a liberty of speaking anything, to the injury of others, and the dishonour of God, and his ways: there seems to be an allusion to Psa 39:1. But deceiveth his own heart; with his show of religion, and external performances; on which he builds his hopes of salvation; of which he is confident; and so gives himself to a loose way of talking what he pleases: this man's religion is vain; useless, and unprofitable to himself and others; all his preaching, praying, hearing, and attendance on the ordinances will be of no avail to him; and he, notwithstanding these, by his evil tongue, brings a scandal and reproach upon the ways of God, and doctrines of Christ.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:26-27 control (literally bridle) your tongue: James uses the graphic image of the bridle in a horse’s mouth to say that people’s ability to control their tongue indicates the condition of their heart and the whole direction of their life (cp. 3:1-13). • Orphans and widows were the most helpless members of ancient society. They were dependent upon the care of others, since the husband and father was the means of economic support and social contact (Exod 22:22-24; Deut 10:18). Christians are called to take care of the helpless (cp. 1 Tim 5:3-16). • In James, the world stands in opposition to God (cp. Jas 3:15; 4:4; Rom 12:2; 1 Jn 2:15-17).
James 1:26
Hearing and Doing
25But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does.26If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.27Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
8 Ways to Deceive Ourselves
By Zac Poonen3.8K1:00:531CO 3:182CO 11:3GAL 6:7JAS 1:22JAS 1:261JN 1:8REV 12:9This sermon emphasizes the dangers of self-deception, focusing on the need to be vigilant against deception in various aspects of our lives. It highlights the importance of humility, being prepared to address conflicts, controlling our speech, and acknowledging our sinful nature. The message underscores the significance of being doers of God's word, recognizing the impact of our actions and words, and avoiding self-deception by staying grounded in truth.
Gracious Speech
By Alan Martin3.2K00:00SpeechROM 15:1JAS 1:26JAS 3:2JAS 3:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of the tongue and the impact our words can have. He shares a personal experience of how a small spark from his mouth caused fires that are still burning today. The speaker highlights the need for a change of heart in order to have a change of mouth, emphasizing the importance of speaking the truth in love. He references Romans 15 and James 1 and 3 to support his points and encourages the audience to seek wisdom and to use their words to build up and edify others.
A Spirit-Controlled Tongue
By Zac Poonen3.0K1:00:33TongueJAS 1:26JAS 2:26In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of not reading the Bible in isolated chapters but rather understanding the connections between different passages. He encourages those who have the habit of reading one chapter a day to start by reading the previous three verses of the last chapter they read. The speaker emphasizes that the truth of the gospel can reveal the seriousness of one's spiritual condition, like a scan report, but also offers the hope of complete healing through accepting the treatment of the gospel. The sermon also highlights the significance of controlling one's speech, as it reflects the maturity and control of the entire body.
The Sin of Unclean Lips
By Keith Daniel2.3K46:37Unclean LipsISA 6:1ISA 6:5ISA 6:8JAS 1:26JAS 3:2In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares a personal story about failing his final exams and the impact it had on him. He describes how his failure caught up with him and caused him great distress. The speaker then recounts a powerful moment when his father-in-law, who is also a preacher, intervenes and offers him words of encouragement and wisdom. The father-in-law emphasizes the importance of passing the exam in God's eyes and reminds the speaker that others are watching his response to this trial. This encounter ultimately changes the speaker's perspective on his situation.
Sanctification : 3. a Disciplined Body
By Zac Poonen2.1K1:00:17SanctificationEXO 32:6MAT 6:331CO 9:271CO 10:61CO 10:111TH 5:23JAS 1:26In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a disciplined body as part of the process of entire sanctification. He highlights that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be respected accordingly. The speaker encourages believers to ask themselves four questions when it comes to their actions and behaviors: Did Jesus do it? Did Jesus teach it? Did the apostles do it? Did the apostles teach it? The speaker warns against hypocrisy and the danger of preaching powerful messages while failing to discipline one's own body. He references 1 Corinthians 9:27, where Paul urges believers to control their eyes and make them their slaves to avoid disqualification in their ministry. The speaker also mentions the example of the Israelites who left Egypt but were disqualified by God due to their indulgence in lustful desires.
Murmuring Against One Another
By Alan Martin1.9K00:00MurmuringNUM 14:1NUM 14:27PSA 78:40ISA 63:10JAS 1:19JAS 1:26In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of controlling one's tongue and being slow to anger. He encourages listeners to be quick to hear and slow to speak, showing restraint and wisdom. The speaker acknowledges the struggle with anger and urges listeners to repent and despise themselves when they realize their own sinfulness. He reminds them of God's steadfast love and mercy, highlighting the need to extend the same grace to others and not hold their sins against them. The sermon emphasizes the ministry of reconciliation and the importance of not keeping a record of wrongs.
Some Things I Have Learnt in 50 Years Part 1
By Zac Poonen1.8K52:21LEV 19:32JOB 36:5JHN 17:232CO 9:7JAS 1:26JAS 3:91PE 2:171PE 3:151JN 2:6This sermon emphasizes four key lessons learned over 50 years as a believer: 1. Understanding God's immense love for us, equal to His love for Jesus, provides security and eradicates insecurity. 2. Embracing honesty before God, acknowledging failures without pretense, is vital for true repentance. 3. Recognizing that God desires cheerful, voluntary obedience, not compelled actions, fosters genuine worship. 4. Treating every human being with dignity, honoring all as made in God's image, reflects true reverence for God and transforms our interactions.
Joy in Trials
By Erlo Stegen1.5K1:18:58JoyMAT 6:33ROM 8:28HEB 4:12JAS 1:1JAS 1:261PE 1:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of facing challenges and difficulties in life. He uses the example of a man who claimed he couldn't be a true Christian because of his wife, but the speaker argues that such challenges should actually strengthen one's faith. The speaker then tells a story about a king who gives his subjects a single seed to plant and promises a prize for the person who grows the best flower. Despite facing doubts and criticism, a little girl continues to care for her seed, even though it doesn't grow. The sermon concludes with the message that facing challenges and staying faithful can lead to growth and ultimately bring glory to God.
The Importance of Our Speech
By Zac Poonen1.4K58:09PSA 12:2PRO 10:11PRO 15:4EPH 5:18JAS 1:26JAS 3:6This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of controlling the tongue and being filled with the Holy Spirit. It highlights how the tongue can either be a source of life or a source of destruction, showcasing the need for believers to allow the Holy Spirit to purify and control their speech. The message stresses the impact of words on one's spiritual condition, urging listeners to be vigilant in their speech and to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all communication.
Personal Influences
By Zac Poonen1.3K10:00MAT 6:24MAT 16:24ACT 1:8GAL 2:20PHP 3:10PHP 4:6JAS 1:26This sermon reflects on individuals who have had a significant positive influence on Christianity, including Madame Guillaume, John Wesley, John Fletcher, David Brainerd, William Carey, Charles Finney, A.D. Simpson, William Booth, George Muller, Hudson Taylor, C.D. Studd, Amy Carmichael, Andrew Murray, Jesse Penn Lewis, A.W. Tozer, Watchman Nee, and Bhakt Singh. These individuals emphasized sacrificial living, the importance of the Holy Spirit, and a focus on the Way of the Cross. The speaker also shares personal disappointments with the state of Christianity in India and his journey towards seeking a deeper, more authentic Christian life.
Jesus Is Seeking Overcomers
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.2K23:34OvercomersISA 1:18ACT 2:17JAS 1:26REV 13:5REV 14:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the consequences of sin and the importance of loving God. He highlights how people who engage in sinful behavior and worship false gods are blinded by the devil. The preacher also discusses the need to guard one's heart and mouth, as idle words and complaints show a lack of love for God. He compares the carefulness of a bride preparing for her wedding to the carelessness of believers towards their spiritual garments. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the power of Jesus Christ's sacrifice, which brings believers out of darkness, death, and sin into righteousness and freedom.
(Atlanta 2013) 6. a Church That Manifests God's Wisdom
By Zac Poonen1.2K1:27:11JOB 1:8JER 23:30MAT 11:25EPH 1:17EPH 3:8EPH 3:10JAS 1:26This sermon emphasizes the importance of building a church that truly reflects the wisdom and glory of God, focusing on meeting with Jesus in every church gathering and maintaining a blameless conscience before God and men. It highlights the need for revelation from the Holy Spirit, humility, and a deep desire to be part of the resurrection of the righteous. The goal is to have a church where God's glory is evident and where people can truly encounter Jesus.
Signs of Second Coming of Jesus
By Zac Poonen1.0K1:10:14JER 17:9MAT 1:21MAT 24:4LUK 8:3ACT 17:11EPH 4:222TH 2:9JAS 1:26REV 12:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of being vigilant against deception in the last days, warning against false prophets, counterfeit gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the need to compare everything with the truth found in Scripture. It stresses the significance of genuine transformation, control over one's tongue, and the manifestation of true holiness as evidence of a genuine relationship with God.
Book of Acts Series - Part 41 | Accusations
By Jim Cymbala87538:38Book Of ActsMAT 7:1MAT 12:36MAT 18:15ACT 4:201CO 13:1JAS 1:26JAS 3:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of Jesus Christ with others. He highlights the disciples' firsthand experiences of seeing Jesus after His resurrection, witnessing miracles, and hearing His teachings. The speaker compares the disciples' excitement to that of grandparents showing off pictures of their grandchildren, emphasizing the natural urge to share something amazing. He concludes with a prayer for love, unity, and encouragement among believers, acknowledging God's mercy and patience with His followers. The sermon references the story of Paul being protected by the Roman commander and sent to Governor Felix in Caesarea, highlighting the need to take action to ensure Paul's safety.
A Marriage Changed by God
By Zac Poonen80256:56GEN 1:4DEU 22:5ISA 49:15MAT 7:12EPH 1:18JAS 1:261PE 3:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinctions and roles within marriage, highlighting the need to recognize and respect the differences between husband and wife, as well as the importance of separating earthly concerns from heavenly priorities. It encourages patience, wisdom, and a focus on building a strong foundation in marriage to raise children who will honor God.
A Spirit Controlled Tongue
By Zac Poonen73810:38PRO 15:4PRO 18:21MAT 12:36JHN 8:44ACT 2:4EPH 4:29COL 4:6JAS 1:26JAS 3:3This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of controlling one's tongue in demonstrating true spirituality and Christianity. It highlights how the tongue serves as a powerful indicator of spiritual health and the need for the Holy Spirit to enable believers to speak graciously. The message warns against the destructive nature of untamed speech and encourages surrendering to the Holy Spirit for transformation. It underscores the truth that life and death are in the power of the tongue, urging listeners to choose words that bring life and reflect the work of the Holy Spirit.
Taking Sin Seriously
By Zac Poonen6431:08:28GEN 4:6LEV 19:32MAT 12:34MAT 12:37ROM 3:182CO 4:4PHP 3:17JAS 1:261PE 2:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of following the example of missionaries and early Christians who sacrificed greatly to spread the Gospel. It highlights the need for genuine missionaries who are passionate about reaching the lost for Christ, unlike those who come for short-term trips for personal reasons. The speaker challenges listeners to live a life of purpose and impact, focusing on respecting others, controlling the tongue, and being a light in the world by following the footsteps of Jesus in love and faith.
Coming Free From the Darkness of Anger
By Stewart Ruch61133:26AngerEXO 20:13MAT 5:21MAT 6:33EPH 4:26JAS 1:19JAS 1:26In this sermon, the speaker delves into the topic of sinful anger and its profound impact on our lives. He emphasizes that understanding the cruelty and depth of sinful anger is crucial for those who want to follow Jesus and live in the life of God. The speaker acknowledges his own struggles with sinful anger and how it affects his relationships with his wife and children. He highlights that anger is often the door through which other sins enter, and that receiving a deeper work from the Lord is necessary to address and overcome anger. The sermon also references the teaching of James on receiving the implanted word, which has the power to save our souls.
The Dangers of Self Deception Part 1 - an Unbridled Tongue
By Phil Beach Jr.341:29:49Self-DeceptionDeceptionThe Power of TruthPSA 141:3PRO 18:21ISA 53:5MAT 7:1JHN 8:31GAL 5:15EPH 4:25EPH 4:29JAS 1:26REV 3:14Phil Beach Jr. addresses the critical issue of self-deception in the church, emphasizing that one of the most significant dangers believers face is the unbridled tongue, which reflects a lack of restraint and truth. He highlights the importance of recognizing our vulnerability to deception and the necessity of continuing in God's Word to avoid falling into self-deception, as exemplified by the Corinthians and the Laodiceans. The sermon calls for believers to examine their words, actions, attitudes, and associations, urging them to seek deliverance through the application of truth. Beach stresses that truth is the only means to freedom from self-deception, and he encourages a deep, honest engagement with God's Word to expose and address these issues. Ultimately, he invites the congregation to cry out for God's help in overcoming self-deception and to embrace the transformative power of truth.
The Captivity of the Righteous Part 8 - Jobs Captivity Turned
By Phil Beach Jr.331:16:52CaptivitySelf-DeceptionSpiritual ClarityJOB 42:10ROM 12:31CO 3:181CO 6:91CO 15:33GAL 6:3GAL 6:7JAS 1:22JAS 1:261JN 1:8Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the dangers of self-deception, particularly for fathers, urging them to guard their hearts and lives against it. He explains that self-deception can manifest in various ways, such as failing to act on God's word, denying one's sin, and overestimating oneself. Through the story of Job, he illustrates how suffering can lead to spiritual clarity and a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty. Ultimately, Beach encourages listeners to seek God's truth and transformation, recognizing that true freedom comes from acknowledging our weaknesses and relying on Christ.
Careless Words
By David Wilkerson1AccountabilityThe Power of WordsPSA 19:14PRO 12:18PRO 18:21PRO 21:23MAT 12:36MAT 15:18LUK 6:45EPH 4:29COL 3:8JAS 1:26David Wilkerson emphasizes the weight of our words, warning that every idle word we speak is recorded and will be accounted for on the day of judgment. He shares a personal experience of feeling convicted after gossiping about a minister, realizing that even true words can cause harm and should not be shared without purpose. The sermon highlights the importance of heeding the Holy Spirit's guidance to refrain from speaking negatively about others, as our words have lasting consequences. Wilkerson encourages listeners to acknowledge their sins and seek healing through humility and repentance.
Remember Lot!
By J.C. Ryle0PSA 39:1MAT 12:33GAL 5:23JAS 1:26JAS 3:2C. Ernest Tatham discusses the three types of individuals likened to different dogs, emphasizing the importance of being like the dog that knows and loves his master, responding obediently to His voice. The sermon delves into the significance of bridling the tongue, highlighting the power of speech in revealing the condition of one's heart and the need for supernatural Holy Spirit power to control it. James stresses the importance of controlling the tongue as a reflection of true religion, contrasting unbridled speech with self-deception and worthless religion.
Where Truth Leads Us
By A.W. Tozer0ACT 17:22ROM 16:171CO 1:30COL 2:3COL 2:81TI 6:20JAS 1:26The preacher delves into the concept of philosophy, which is the love of wisdom, and its negative connotation in the Bible as erroneous teaching. Paul encountered Epicureanism and Stoicism, the leading philosophies of his time, warning against the deceptive nature of philosophy that deviates from Christ. While secular philosophy may be a quest for truth, true wisdom is found in Jesus, and any philosophy not rooted in divine revelation is considered false and harmful.
Stop Talking About Evil
By Bakht Singh0PRO 11:13PRO 15:4PRO 16:24EPH 4:29JAS 1:26Bakht Singh emphasizes the importance of using words that build up and provide what is needed, rather than harmful words that can cause damage. He warns against the dangers of unrestricted freedom of expression and the negative impact it can have on society's moral and ethical values. Using real-life examples, he illustrates how irresponsible news coverage can lead to further sin and scandal, urging for discretion and wisdom in speech. Bakht Singh highlights the need for Christians to refrain from spreading gossip and slander, as it not only harms the individual but also weakens the community.
Taking God's Word Seriously
By Zac Poonen0The Importance of SpeechTaking God's Word SeriouslyISA 66:2MAT 5:4MAT 12:34MAT 12:36COL 3:19JAS 1:26Zac Poonen emphasizes the critical importance of taking God's Word seriously, warning that many believers underestimate the weight of their words and the accountability they will face. He highlights Jesus' teaching that every careless word will be judged, urging believers to cleanse their speech to reflect their faith genuinely. Poonen points out that a lack of control over one's tongue indicates a dead faith, and he challenges listeners to examine their speech against God's standards. He stresses that true spiritual progress comes from mourning over sin and taking every command of God seriously, which leads to comfort and victory through the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, he calls for a deep reverence for God's Word as the foundation for a victorious Christian life.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Seem to be religious - The words θρησκος and θρησκεια, which we translate religious and religion, (see the next verse), are of very uncertain etymology. Suidas, under the word θρησκευει, which he translates θεοσεβει, ὑπηρετει τοις θεοις, he worships or serves the gods, accounts for the derivation thus: "It is said that Orpheus, a Thracian, instituted the mysteries (or religious rites) of the Greeks, and called the worshipping of God θρησκευειν threskeuein, as being a Thracian invention." Whatever its derivation may be, the word is used both to signify true religion, and superstition or heterodoxy. See Hesychius, and see on Jam 1:27 (note). Bridleth not his tongue - He who speaks not according to the oracles of God, whatever pretences he makes to religion, only shows, by his want of scriptural knowledge, that his religion is false, ματαιος, or empty of solid truth, profit to others, and good to himself. Such a person should bridle his tongue, put the bit in his mouth; and particularly if he be a professed teacher of religion; ho matter where he has studied, or what else he has learned, if he have not learned religion, he can never teach it. And religion is of such a nature that no man can learn it but by experience; he who does not feel the doctrine of God to be the power of God to the salvation of his soul, can neither teach religion, nor act according to its dictates, because he is an unconverted, unrenewed man. If he be old, let him retire to the desert, and pray to God for light; if he be in the prime of life, let him turn his attention to some honest calling; if he be young, let him tarry at Jericho till his beard grows.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
An example of doing work. religious . . . religion--The Greek expresses the external service or exercise of religion, "godliness" being the internal soul of it. "If any man think himself to be (so the Greek) religious, that is, observant of the offices of religion, let him know these consist not so much in outward observances, as in such acts of mercy and humble piety (Mic 6:7-8) as visiting the fatherless, &c., and keeping one's self unspotted from the world" (Mat 23:23). James does not mean that these offices are the great essentials, or sum total of religion; but that, whereas the law service was merely ceremonial, the very services of the Gospel consist in acts of mercy and holiness, and it has light for its garment, its very robe being righteousness [TRENCH]. The Greek word is only found in Act 26:5, "after the straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee." Col 2:18, "worshipping of angels." bridleth not . . . tongue--Discretion in speech is better than fluency of speech (compare Jam 3:2-3). Compare Psa 39:1. God alone can enable us to do so. James, in treating of the law, naturally notices this sin. For they who are free from grosser sins, and even bear the outward show of sanctity, will often exalt themselves by detracting others under the pretense of zeal, while their real motive is love of evil-speaking [CALVIN]. heart--It and the tongue act and react on one another.
John Gill Bible Commentary
If any man among you seem to be religious,.... By his preaching, or praying, and hearing, and other external duties of religion, he is constant in the observance of; and who, upon the account of these things, "thinks himself to be a religious man", as the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions render it; or is thought to be so by others: and bridleth not his tongue; but boasts of his works, and speaks ill of his brethren; backbites them, and hurts their names and characters, by private insinuations, and public charges without any foundation; who takes no care of what he says, but gives his tongue a liberty of speaking anything, to the injury of others, and the dishonour of God, and his ways: there seems to be an allusion to Psa 39:1. But deceiveth his own heart; with his show of religion, and external performances; on which he builds his hopes of salvation; of which he is confident; and so gives himself to a loose way of talking what he pleases: this man's religion is vain; useless, and unprofitable to himself and others; all his preaching, praying, hearing, and attendance on the ordinances will be of no avail to him; and he, notwithstanding these, by his evil tongue, brings a scandal and reproach upon the ways of God, and doctrines of Christ.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:26-27 control (literally bridle) your tongue: James uses the graphic image of the bridle in a horse’s mouth to say that people’s ability to control their tongue indicates the condition of their heart and the whole direction of their life (cp. 3:1-13). • Orphans and widows were the most helpless members of ancient society. They were dependent upon the care of others, since the husband and father was the means of economic support and social contact (Exod 22:22-24; Deut 10:18). Christians are called to take care of the helpless (cp. 1 Tim 5:3-16). • In James, the world stands in opposition to God (cp. Jas 3:15; 4:4; Rom 12:2; 1 Jn 2:15-17).