Bible Commentary

James 1:26-27

Matthew Henry on James 1:26-27

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

When men take more pains to seem religious than really to be so, it is a sign their religion is in vain. The not bridling the tongue, readiness to speak of the faults of others, or to lessen their wisdom and piety, are signs of a vain religion.

The man who has a slandering tongue, cannot have a truly humble, gracious heart. False religious may be known by their impurity and uncharitableness. True religion teaches us to do every thing as in the presence of God.

An unspotted life must go with unfeigned love and charity. Our true religion is equal to the measure in which these things have place in our hearts and conduct. And let us remember, that nothing avails in Christ Jesus, but faith that worketh by love, purifies the heart, subdues carnal lusts, and obeys God's commands.

Recommended reading

More for James 1:26-27

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on James 1:1-27EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryOn Suppressing Corrupt Affections; The Duty of Hearers; Practical Religion. (a. d. 61.)ON SUPPRESSING CORRUPT AFFECTIONS; THE DUTY OF HEARERS; PRACTICAL RELIGION. (A. D. 61.) In this part of the chapter we are required, I. To restrain the workings of passion. This lesson we should learn under afflictions;…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on James 1:19-27The law of the new life. "Ye know this, my beloved brethren;" viz. that ye have been begotten again by God. But now, from this vantage-ground, he presses the necessity of a consistent life. They have espoused, by God's…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on James 1:19-27EXHORTATIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on James 1:19-27Deeds, not words. 1. The right spirit for the Christian is the receptive; ready to hear, and to receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is to be as the seed falling on the good ground (comp. Matthew 13:3, etc).…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on James 1:26Seem ( δοκεῖ); seems to himself rather than to others; translate, with R.V., thinketh himself to be. Vulgate, Si quis Putat se esse. Religious ( θρῆσκος). It is difficult to find an English word which exactly answers…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on James 1:27God and the Father; rather, our God and Father. The article ( τῷ) binds together θεῷ and πατρί, so that they should not be separated, as in the A.V. To visit the fatherless … and to keep himself unspotted. Observe…Joseph S. Exell and contributors