Charles Ellicott Commentary James 1:24

"for he beholdeth himself, and goeth away, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was." — James 1:24 (ASV)

For he beholds himself . . .—Better, for he beheld himself and went his way, and immediately forgot what he was. Like the simile in James 1:11, this is described as an actual occurrence, seen and noted by the writer. There is a recognition of the well-known face, followed by instant and complete forgetfulness; and so it is often with the mirror of the soul. In some striking sermon or book a man’s true self is revealed to him, and the picture may be too familiar to cause aversion; but, regardless, the impression fades from his mind as quickly as the echoes of the preacher’s words. At best the knowledge was only superficial, perhaps momentary; widely different from that which comes from a holy walk with God.