Third Millennium Study Bible
Notes on James 1:22-26

Do what it says - James 1:22

God continuously works in the believer (Phil 2:13). The "hearing" of God's Word is to be followed by the "doing" of God's Word. Lenski states, "Now continue to be Word-doers and not only hearers, cheating your own selves by false reasoning." True hearing of the Word must lead to godly action (cf. Luke 11:28; John 13:17). A seed properly planted in the ground just does not sit there - it brings forth fruit when properly watered and fertilized (cf. Matt. 3:8; Luke 3:8; Acts 26:20; Eph. 5:8-9). It is not enough to know that a Christian should be slow to anger. A Christian must actually 'become' (a process) slow to anger. See WCF 21.5.

Mirror - James 1:23-24

Mirrors, in the ancient world were made of polished metal (i.e bronze, even silver and gold). They reflect every facet of the face of our birth. Scripture is a mirror of the soul's need for grace, revealing our true character. Here, however, James warned against having sins exposed by forgetting to implement the teaching of Scripture. In essence, do not look in the mirror and see you need a shave, and then not take up the razor of the Lord (Eph. 6:17; 1 Thess. 2:13; Heb. 4:12; 6:5). The Christian who sees he has sinful stubble understands that God is working in them both to will and do of his good pleasure (Phil 2:13) and being renewed in the Spirit of his mind (Rom 12:1-2) will desire to pick of the razor of the Lord (a desire he did not formerly have; cf. Rom 8:5-11; 1 Cor 2:14) to cut them out of his life. If there is no desire to grow in grace (Rom. 7), then one is not saved. See WCF 19.6.

Perfect law - James 1:25

James probably used the phrase "the perfect law that gives freedom" as a synonym for sacred Scripture (Psa. 19:7, 11). In Christ, the law of God sets us free from the tyranny of human traditions and the futility of having no guidance in life (John 8:36; Rom. 8:2; Gal. 5:13). See WCF 19.2; WLC 160; WSC 90. Kistemaker states:

Why is the law perfect? Because God's perfect law gives freedom and it alone sets man really free. That is, the law of God through Jesus Christ sets man free from the bondage of sin and selfishness. Says Jesus, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36; also consult Rom. 8:2, 15; Gal. 5:13). Within the boundaries of the law of God man is free, for there he lives in the environment God designated for him. When he crosses the boundary, he becomes a slave to sin. As long as he keeps the law, he is free.

And last, the man who continues to look into the perfect law and keeps it will be blessed. Why is that man happy? He knows that "the precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart" and "the commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes" (Psa. 19:8; compare Psa. 119:1-3). He finds joy in his work, joy in his family, and joy in his Lord. He knows that God is blessing him in all that he does (John 13:17).

Tongue - James 1:26

Having shown the blessedness of those who are doers of the Word, James now demonstrates that those who are only listeners do not put the Word into practice. He gives as an example the evils of the tongue (Psa. 39:1; 141:3). Our religion is worthless if we do not keep a rein on our tongues (cf. Jas. 3:1-12). Hughes considers a teaching moment from Wesley's life:

Once while John Wesley was preaching, he noticed a lady in the audience who was known for her critical attitude. All through the service she sat and stared at his new tie. When the meeting ended, she came up to him and said very sharply, "Mr. Wesley, the strings on your bow tie are much too long. Its an offense to me!" He asked if any of the ladies present happened to have a pair of scissors in their purse. When the scissors were handed to him, he gave them to his critic and asked her to trim the streamers to her liking. After she clipped them off near the collar, he said, "Are you sure they're all right now?" "Yes, that's much better." "Then let me have those shears a moment," said Wesley. "I'm sure you wouldn't mind if I also gave you a bit of correction. I must tell you, madam, that your tongue is an offense to me - its too long! Please stick it out I'd like to take some off."

While Wesley was joking somewhat to make a point, in essence, if one really loves God then he will love his neighbor too (1 John 2:9; 3:17-18; 4:20).

Related Resources

• Overview of the Book of James
• The Law of God: What Is God's Law?
• The Three Uses of the Law: What Good Is the Law?
• Legalism and Antinomianism: Why do I have to obey God's law?
• Christian Liberty: How Free Am I?