James 1:26 - If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. -- New American Standard Version.
The word "religious" is translated from a word that carries various shades of meaning. Abbot-Smith gives it the meaning of "careful of the outward forms of divine service." It is common to confuse the service of God with outward ritual or sectarian religious devotion, which, in effect, may be a devotion to ceremony and/or to certain leaders, placing such leaders as being the same as, or having some kind of exclusion in representing God and Christ.
However, James applies this in the context of the use of the tongue, regarding the words that come forth from our mouth. One may profess to honor God with the lips, but words spoken in common usage reveal what is in the heart. -- Matthew 15:8; Mark 7:6; Luke 6:45.
However, James applies this in the context of the use of the tongue, regarding the words that come forth from our mouth. One may profess to honor God with the lips, but words spoken in common usage reveal what is in the heart. -- Matthew 15:8; Mark 7:6; Luke 6:45.
A bridle is used to guide a horse or other animal. James used this as a figure of how we should guide, or control our tongue, that is, the words we speak. James expresses in the context that if one has full control of his tongue so as to not trespass with his words, that one is a perfect man. At the same time, he points out that this is not the case, for we all use our tongue in some way that falls short of the glory of God, due to the fallen flesh. (Romans 3:23; 5:12-19) Although it should not be, we all at times misuse our tongue for gossip, slander, cursing, and/or swearing, often without realizing we have done so. James tells us, however, that we should, to a great extent, gain control over the words we speak, even if that control is not fully perfected in our fallen flesh. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.
More comments:
Most of us commit some sin every day; if not every day, at least many times every week, possibly without even being aware that we have fallen short, especially when it come to how we use our tongue. I have not met anyone who does not in some way fall short in using their tongue. Indeed, if one has full control of his tongue that person is perfect. (James 3:2) But none of us will ever reach such perfection while we still have our sinful flesh. -- Romans 8:3.
Whether in anger or by habit, all of God's people at times swear and may even curse, and many times gossip. (Matthew 5:33-37; James 3:3-8; 5:12) All who belong to Christ are in constant need every day to have heart repentance for such sins, while striving against all sin (Hebrews 12:4-17; James 1:26; 1 Peter 3:10), and come before the throne of grace. -- Hebrews 4:16.
As long as our sin is due to the weakness of the flesh (Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38; Romans 7:18-25;8:3), it is not such a sin that brings the condemnation of the second death. (Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 5:16,17) Only after the new creature has an accurate knowledge of the truth, and then willfully sins (not a sin due to the weakness of the flesh), there is no more a sacrifice to be offered for such. -- Hebrews 10:26-29. -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.
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