James 1:22
Do what God commands in his message. Do not only listen to it, because people who only listen to it and do not obey it are wrong when they think that God will save them.
Translation for Translators
In The King James Version
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
In Context
Cross References
Isaiah 44:20They are very stupid to worship something that if you burn it, it becomes ashes! They trust in something that cannot save them; they do not admit, “In my hand I hold something that is not really a god! [RHQ]”
Matthew 7:21“ Even though many people habitually call me ‘Lord’, pretending that they have my authority, some of them will not go to heaven where God rules, because they do not do what he desires. Only those people who do what my Father, who is in heaven, desires will go there.
Matthew 28:20Teach them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember that by the Spirit I will be with you always, until the end of this age.”
Luke 11:28But he replied, “God is much more pleased with those who hear his message and obey it!”
John 13:17Since you now know these things, God will be pleased with you if you do them.”
1 Corinthians 3:18Some among you think that you are wise because unbelievers thought you were wise previously. Stop deceiving yourselves. If you really want to be wise, by accepting what God considers to be wise you should be willing to let unbelievers consider that you are foolish [IRO].
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 →