Verse of the Day

　　

James 1:22

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

　　

Translations of Today's Verse

King James Version

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

English Standard Version

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

The Message

Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear!

New King James Version

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

New Living Translation

And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. If you don't obey, you are only fooling yourself.

　　

Commentary on Today's Verse

Commentary on James 1:22-25

(Read James 1:22-25)

　　If we heard a sermon every day of the week, and an angel from heaven were the preacher, yet, if we rested in hearing only, it would never bring us to heaven. Mere hearers are self-deceivers; and self-deceit will be found the worst deceit at last. If we flatter ourselves, it is our own fault; the truth, as it is in Jesus, flatters no man. Let the word of truth be carefully attended to, and it will set before us the corruption of our nature, the disorders of our hearts and lives; and it will tell us plainly what we are. Our sins are the spots the law discovers: Christ's blood is the laver the gospel shows. But in vain do we hear God's word, and look into the gospel glass, if we go away, and forget our spots, instead of washing them off; and forget our remedy, instead of applying to it. This is the case with those who do not hear the word as they ought. In hearing the word, we look into it for counsel and direction, and when we study it, it turns to our spiritual life. Those who keep in the law and word of God, are, and shall be, blessed in all their ways. His gracious recompence hereafter, would be connected with his present peace and comfort. Every part of Divine revelation has its use, in bringing the sinner to Christ for salvation, and in directing and encouraging him to walk at liberty, by the Spirit of adoption, according to the holy commands of God. And mark the distinctness, it is not for his deeds, that any man is blessed, but in his deed. It is not talking, but walking, that will bring us to heaven. Christ will become more precious to the believer's soul, which by his grace will become more fitted for the inheritance of the saints in light.

　　

James 1:22 In-Context

20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

　　21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

　　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 someone who looks at his face in a mirror

　　24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.