Charles Spurgeon Commentary James 1:26

"If any man thinketh himself to be religious, while he bridleth not his tongue but deceiveth his heart, this man`s religion is vain." — James 1:26 (ASV)

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain (James 1:26).

James settles that matter very peremptorily. An unbridled tongue indicates a godless heart.

If any man among you seem to be religious, –

You know what that means; and there are some who do seem to be wonderfully religious. Butter would not melt in their mouths, as we say; they are so solemn: If any man among you seem to be religious, –

And bridleth not his tongue, –

That little noisy troublesome member: and bridleth not his tongue, –

But deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

If religion does not salt your tongue, and keep it sweet, it has done nothing for you.

If the doctor wants to know the state of your health, he says, "Let me see your tongue," and there is no better test of the health of the mind than to see what is on the tongue.

When it gets furred up with unkind words, when it turns black with blasphemy, when it is spotted with lasciviousness, there is something very bad inside the heart, you may be quite sure of that.