James 1:26
"If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his reli..." — James 1:26 reveals truths about God's character and His purposes. This passage has been a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for believers across generations.
“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.”James 1:26 (NIV)
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Surrounding verses
Read James 1:26 with the verses next to it, then open James 1 in full.
But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
When people use this verse
People often open James 1:26 when they are looking for Scripture on protection, worth.
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“The Word Became FleshIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
— John 1:1
What is this verse about?
James 1:26 is found in the New Testament, in the book of James. This verse comes from chapter 1, which can be read in full at the James chapter 1 page. Understanding the surrounding passages helps illuminate the deeper meaning of this verse.
How people apply it
As you reflect on James 1:26, consider how God's truth applies to your current circumstances. Scripture is living and active — it speaks into every season of life. Let this verse shape your thoughts, decisions, and relationships as you walk in faith.
Related verses
Curated from this site's topic lists — not a keyword scan of the verse text.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Psalms 27:1The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalms 46:1God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Isaiah 26:3You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Proverbs 4:23Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Nahum 1:7The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,
Psalms 18:2The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalms 144:2He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.
A short prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth revealed in James 1:26. Open my heart to receive Your Word and transform my life. Help me apply this Scripture faithfully and share its hope with others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Quick answers
What does James 1:26 mean?
"If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his reli..." — James 1:26 reveals truths about God's character and His purposes. This passage has been a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for believers across generations. The original biblical context enriches our understanding of how this verse applies today.
What is the context of James 1:26?
James 1:26 is found in the New Testament, in the book of James. This verse comes from chapter 1, which can be read in full at the James chapter 1 page. Understanding the surrounding passages helps illuminate the deeper meaning of this verse.
How does James 1:26 read in other translations?
James 1:26 is available in NIV, KJV, ESV, NLT, MSG, and NASB on this page. Open the compare view to read them side by side.