Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

Verses 26–27 point out three specific areas where truth should be put into practice. (1) The first is speech. James introduces a hypothetical case. The person involved “considers himself religious” (GK 2580). This word describes a person who performs the external acts of religion, such as public worship, fasting, or giving to the needy, but he exerts no controlling restraint on his speech. Exactly how his speech offends is not indicated, whether it be by the cutting criticism of others, by uncleanness, by dishonesty, or by other ways. His uncontrolled tongue reveals that “his religion” is external sham. In living like this, “he deceives himself” (cf. v.22).