James 1:19-27

James 1:19-27

[19] beloved  brethren,  every  man  swift  to  hear,  slow  to  speak,  slow  to  wrath:  [20] For  the wrath  of man  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  souls.  [22] But  be ye  doers  of the word,  and  not  hearers  only,  deceiving  your own selves.  [23] For  a hearer  of the word,  and  not  a doer,  he  is like  unto a man  beholding  his  natural  face  in  a glass:  [24] For  he beholdeth  himself,  and  goeth his way,  and  straightway  forgetteth  what manner of man  [25] But  whoso looketh  into  the perfect  law  of liberty,  and  continueth  therein, he  being  not  a forgetful  hearer,  but  a doer  of the work,  this man  blessed  in  his  deed.  [26] seem  religious,  and bridleth  not  his  tongue,  but  deceiveth  his own  heart,  religion  is vain.  [27] Pure  religion  and  undefiled  before  God  and  the Father  this,  To visit  the fatherless  and  widows  in  their  affliction,  and to keep  himself  unspotted  from  the world. 

What does James 1:19-27 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Having explained the value of trials and our options in trials, James next exhorted his readers to respond properly to their trials. In this section he stressed the Word of God because it is the key to resisting temptations and responding to trials correctly (cf. Matthew 4:1-11).
"Receptivity to the Word, responsiveness to the Word, and resignation to the Word are essential to spiritual growth. One must accept God"s Word, act on it, and abide by it." [1]