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James 2:14 "And his religion is worthless"

Shermana

Heretic
Title correction: 1:26, not 2:14.

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless
What does James mean to "keep a tight rein on his tongue"? Why would a Christian's "religion be worthless" if they cannot "keep a tight rein on their tongue"? What does it mean for a Christians' "religion to be worthless" and what is an example of someone whose religion would be "worthless" according to James 1:26?
 
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Green Kepi

Active Member
James is giving an example of someone who hears the word, but does not do anything about it...so deceives himself into thinking that he is religious.

He is describing a person who prides himself in the outward pretending that he's something that he is not. Acting one way...but who is not applying it to his heart.

This person is all about being 'plastic'. Outward performance. He prays, he fasts, he gives his money, he goes through all of the rituals, but in James’ example, he doesn’t bridle his tongue.

James says that this man is “phoney” and his “so-called” religion is worthless.

James deals more with the tongue in chapter 3, but it can include a multitude of sins: lying, half-truths, slander, gossip, angry words, hateful words, cursing, telling filthy jokes or stories, and much more.
 
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