Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary James 1:21

"Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." — James 1:21 (ASV)

In further preparation for the reception of the Word, one must “get rid of all moral filth.” The word translated “get rid of” (GK 700) was primarily used of taking off garments (cf. Hebrews 12:1, which speaks of throwing off any excessive weight to make ready for the race of faith). The “moral filth and the evil” that are so abundant must be stripped off like dirty clothes in preparation for “accepting] the word.” The reception of truth must of necessity be marked by humility or meekness (GK 4559). This is not to be construed as spineless weakness. Instead, it is the quality of a strong man that makes him docile and submissive rather than haughty and rebellious. Only in such a spirit can one fully receive God’s truth. That the Word is described as “planted in you” suggests that the readers were believers who already possessed the truth. The phrase “which can save you” simply describes the truth as saving truth. James is not calling for an initial acceptance of that message, but for a full appropriation of the truth as the Christian grows in spiritual understanding.