A Profitable and Pure Religion—Part One
“If anyone among you thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:26-27).
In the final two verses of this chapter, the inspired penman describes three essential fruits of a profitable and pure religion. The first of these is a bridled tongue.
With much more said on this specific subject later in the letter (see 3:1-12), this verse provides an excellent summary statement on the matter: It is impossible to be right with God without a bridled tongue.
Clear evidence of the word of truth being properly engrafted into your heart is the constant exercising of self-control over your incredibly potent tongue. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21).
Gossip, lying, cursing, filthy and silly talk, complaining, and much more verbal filth is irrefutable proof that God’s word does not reign in your heart.
You are deceived if you think otherwise.
Though your religion with its unbridled tongue may be satisfactory to you, it is useless and vile before God.
