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.'

'If anyone' -God is no respector of persons (Romans 2:11). And yet in the world people often will excuse the profanity of someone who is successful. We tend to believe that such coarseness was necessary for them to get ahead. Unfortunately, even Christians can start admiring the brash, arrogant and bold of this world, and think it is almost. virtue to have an unrestrained tongue.

'thinks himself to be religious' -The word "religious" means: 'fearing or worshipping God' (Thayer p. 292). Nothing as changed, there are many people in the world who consider themselves to be very religious or extremely spiritual. Carefully note that our opinion of ourselves can be completely wrong. Just because one claims to be spiritual, doesn't mean that God recognizes their "brand" or definition of spirituality. One may be worshipping God in vain (Matthew 23:23; Matthew 7:21).

'yet does not bridle his tongue' -"bridle"-'to hold in check, restrain' (Thayer p. 664) (See Psalms 39:1; Job 2:10; Matthew 12:36; Matthew 15:18; Matthew 4:25). Note that the responsibility for controlling our tongue rests with us. 'Satan can use the tongue to destroy lives. With. word. heart is lifted or cast down. With. word our spirits are dashed or they are encouraged….If we find ourselves always being critical and condemning, if that is the first thing that comes to our minds, if we are always finding something to be unhappy about, then we have deceived ourselves and do not have the religion of the New Testament.' (Draper p. 68)

'but deceives his own heart' -(James 1:22). Many people convince themselves that they are right with God-while at the same time they are gossiping, lying, making false accusations, spreading rumors, hurting their spouse or children with angry words and profanity, etc…Note that he deceives his own heart, but many other people who witness his words are not deceived.

Points To Note:

1. The reader should be impressed that godly words are just as important as sound doctrine. 2. This man who doesn't bride his tongue, could be. very active member in. local congregation. He could be present at very class and worship service. He could even be. teacher, preacher or elder. The person in the above verse considers himself to be very religious-he isn't someone who has fallen away, attends infrequently, or never studies their bible. The person in this verse obviously doesn't consider themselves to be. weak or marginal Christian.

'this man's religion is worthless' -"Worthless"-'devoid of force, truth, success or result' (Thayer p. 393); 'of no value' (Bas); 'futile' (Mof). The reader should note that the above man can and could be. Christian. Various things can make our service to God to be completely worthless (Matthew 15:9; Mark 7:7). God made similar points to His people in the Old Testament (Micah 6:6; Zechariah 2:6; Isaiah 2:10; 1 Samuel 2:22).