James 1:26

If a man seems to have religion and has no control over his tongue but lets himself be tricked by what is false, this man's religion is of no value.

Bible in Basic English

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

25But he who goes on looking into the true law which makes him free, being not a hearer without memory but a doer putting it into effect, this man will have a blessing on his acts.

27The religion which is holy and free from evil in the eyes of our God and Father is this: to take care of children who have no fathers and of widows who are in trouble, and to keep oneself untouched by the world.

Read all of James 1

Cross References

Job 15:13So that you are turning your spirit against God, and letting such words go out of your mouth?

Psalms 32:9Do not be like the horse or the ass, without sense; ...

Psalms 39:1To the chief music-maker. Of Jeduthun. A Psalm. Of David.

Proverbs 10:19Where there is much talk there will be no end to sin, but he who keeps his mouth shut does wisely.

Proverbs 13:2A man will get good from the fruit of his lips, but the desire of the false is for violent acts.

Proverbs 15:2Knowledge is dropping from the tongue of the wise; but from the mouth of the foolish comes a stream of foolish words.

Matthew Henry on James 1:20-27

On Suppressing Corrupt Affections; The Duty of Hearers; Practical Religion. ( a. d. 61.) 19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word,… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study James 1:26