James 1:26

If anyone thinks himself to be religious, but if he does not control his tongue, he deceives his heart, and his religion is worthless.

Unlocked Literal 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 person who looks carefully into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so, not just being a hearer who forgets, this man will be blessed in his actions.

27Religion that is pure and unspoiled before our God and Father is to help the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

Read all of James 1

Cross References

Job 15:13so that you turn your spirit against God 1 and bring out such words from your mouth? 1

Psalms 32:9Do not be like a horse or like a mule, which have no understanding; 1 it is only with bridle and bit to control them 1 that they will go where you want them to. 1

Psalms 39:1I decided, “I will watch what I say 1 so that I do not sin with my tongue. 1 I will muzzle my mouth 1 while in the presence of an evil man.” 1

Proverbs 10:19When there are many words, transgression is not lacking, 1 but he who is careful in what he says is wise. 1

Proverbs 13:2From the fruit of his mouth a person enjoys good things, 1 but the appetite of the treacherous is for violence. 1

Proverbs 15:2The tongue of wise people compliments knowledge, 1 but the mouth of fools pours out folly. 1

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