James 1:26

Translations

Modern

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.

Traditional

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

Literal

If anyone thinks to be religious, not bridling his tongue, but deceiving his heart, the religion of this one is futile.

Latin

Si quis autem putat se religiosum esse, non refrenans linguam suam, sed seducens cor suum, hujus vana est religio.

Original

Greek

English

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.

Notes

James 1:26–27

bridle his tongue: James uses this image to show that controlling your tongue reflects the condition of your heart and direction of life (compare 3:1–13).
orphans and widows were the most vulnerable people in ancient society. They relied on others for support because the husband and father provided economic help and social connections (Exodus 22:22–24; Deuteronomy 10:18). God calls Christians to especially care for those who are helpless (compare 1 Timothy 5:3–16).
In James, the world is hostile to God (compare James 3:15; 4:4; Romans 12:2; 1 John 2:15–17).

James 1:12–27

James discusses three topics from 1:2–11 and adds new insights to each. External challenges (in 1:2–4) become internal temptations (in 1:11–18). The need for wisdom (in 1:5–8) connects to controlling angry speech (in 1:19–21). Poverty and wealth relate to acting on God's word (1:22–25). This section then summarizes these ideas (1:26–27).

Theme notes and profiles

James, Brother of Jesus Religious Hypocrisy

Related verses

Psalm 141:3
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.
Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.
1 Peter 3:10
For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.
Ephesians 5:4
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving.
Proverbs 19:1
Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse.
Psalm 34:13
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.
Proverbs 10:31
The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.
Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
James 1:22
Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.
James 1:19
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,
James 3:2–6
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.

Glossary

Heart Letter of James

Topics

Bad Words Boastfulness Bridle: Figurative Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Deceived Co-Signing Different Religions Doer of the Word Happy Hurtful Words Hypocrisy: General Scriptures Concerning Insults Living a Christian Life Other Religions Our Tongue Physical Appearance Power of the Tongue Power of Words Self-Deception: General Scriptures Concerning Slander: Men Shall Give Account For Speaking: Evil Speaking: Wisdom In Swear Words Swearing and Cursing Taming your Tongue The Power of the Tongue The Tongue True Religion Using Profanity Vanity: The Religion of Hypocrites Is Vulgarity Works: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

James 1:26

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