Eschatological Journeys :: James 1:22-26

²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³ Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵ But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-- he will be blessed in what he does. ²⁶ If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless (NIV).

James states that the one who only hears the word is deceived (James 1:22). Notice that variations of the word “deceive” are used two other times in James 1. In verses 16-18 James does not want believers to think that God tempts people. What reasons does James give, so that we do not think God tempts people to sin? How could one be deceived into thinking that God does tempt people to sin? How does “doing the word” help us avoid being deceived into thinking God tempts people to sin?

In verses 26-27 James protects against another deception: thinking I am religious, while having a loose tongue. Consider what other comments James makes about “taming the tongue” in 3:1-12. Why do you think taming one’s tongue is such an important issue? Consider with your answer what Jesus says concerning the connection between the heart and what the tongue speaks in Matthew 12:33-37. How does “doing the word” help us avoid being deceived into thinking we are religious, while we do not control our speech?

What is your language like? Is it vulgar or clean? Does you tongue wag like the tail of an excited dog or is it controlled? Are you quick to speak and slow to listen? Do you speak truth or lies?

How do your children speak? What is their language like? What steps can you take to help your children “do the word” and control their speech (See resource below for some ideas)?

Related Biblical Passages for Further Reflection:

Proverbs 6:16-17; 10:19-20; 11:12; 12:18; 15:2; 15:4; 17:20; 18:21; 21:23; 26:28; 28:33.