James 1:26

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

Berean Standard Bible

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 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.

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.

Read all of James 1

Cross References

Job 15:13as you turn your spirit against God and pour such words from your mouth?

Psalms 32:9Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; they must be controlled with bit and bridle to make them come to you.

Psalms 39:1I said, “I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present.”

Proverbs 10:19When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

Proverbs 13:2From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the desire of the faithless is violence.

Proverbs 15:2The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.

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 →

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Study James 1:26