James 1:26

If any man. James now concludes with a practical application of his comparison between the mere “hearer” of the law and the “blessed” “doer.”

Among you. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the omission of this phrase.

Seem. Gr. dokeo, “to think,” “to suppose.” The stress is on what a man thinks of himself, imagines himself to be, and not on what he “seems” to be to others. James here amplifies his warning of v. 22, that mere knowledge of the truth does not constitute genuine Christianity. To think that it does is self-deception.

Religious. Gr. threskos, religious, especially from the point of view of religion expressing itself in outward service. A man may think that mere outward attention to religious form is genuine Christianity. A man may think that such things as regular church attendance, substantial gifts, and leadership in church affairs constitute “religion” pleasing to God (v. 27). He fails to realize that all this outward attention to religion without inner heart devotion will prove to be in “vain” (see on Matt. 6:1-7, 16-18).

Bridleth. James compares a reckless, uncontrolled tongue to an unbridled horse. Without a “bridle” both tongue and horse endanger all who are near. The apostle pleads with his fellow church members to acquire the commendable habit of discretion in speech (see v. 19), which reflects the inner man (see on Matt. 12:34-37). Some feel that zeal in talking about “religion” is evidence of true religion, but James urges Christians to do right rather than merely to talk about right. Outward attention to “religion” is necessary, but if the tongue is unbridled or if any other sin is indulged, it will be evident that the inner man has not yet been transformed by the grace of God.

Deceiveth. No deception is more pitiful than self-deception. An external show of righteousness may win the commendation of men, who look only on the outward appearance (cf. 1 Sam. 16:7). The heart must be motivated by the “perfect law” (James 1:25) before a man can live meekly (v. 21) before God and man.

Vain. Gr. mataios, “useless,” “aimless,” “to no purpose” (see on 1 Cor. 15:17). Outward piety and good deeds come to nought if not motivated by a sincere desire to have every thought and deed conform to the “perfect law of liberty.”