James 1:26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.

◄ James 1:26 ►

New International Version
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.

New Living Translation
If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.

English Standard Version
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.

Berean Standard Bible
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.

Berean Literal Bible
If anyone seems to be religious, not bridling his tongue, but deceiving his heart, the religion of this one is worthless.

King James Bible
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
If anyone thinks himself to be religious, yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this person’s religion is worthless.

NASB 1995
If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.

NASB 1977
If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.

Legacy Standard Bible
If anyone thinks himself to be religious while not bridling his tongue but deceiving his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.

Amplified Bible
If anyone thinks himself to be religious [scrupulously observant of the rituals of his faith], and does not control his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person’s religion is worthless (futile, barren).

Christian Standard Bible
If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, his religion is useless and he deceives himself.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, then his religion is useless and he deceives himself.

American Standard Version
If any man thinketh himself to be religious, while he bridleth not his tongue but deceiveth his heart, this man's religion is vain.

Contemporary English Version
If you think you are being religious, but can't control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is useless.

English Revised Version
If any man thinketh himself to be religious, while he bridleth not his tongue but deceiveth his heart, this man's religion is vain.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If a person thinks that he is religious but can't control his tongue, he is fooling himself. That person's religion is worthless.

Good News Translation
Do any of you think you are religious? If you do not control your tongue, your religion is worthless and you deceive yourself.

International Standard Version
If anyone thinks that he is religious and does not bridle his tongue, but instead deceives himself, his religion is worthless.

Majority Standard Bible
If anyone among you considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.

NET Bible
If someone thinks he is religious yet does not bridle his tongue, and so deceives his heart, his religion is futile.

New Heart English Bible
If anyone thinks himself to be religious while he does not control his tongue, but deceives his heart, this one's religion is worthless.

Webster's Bible Translation
If any man among you seemeth to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

Weymouth New Testament
If a man thinks that he is scrupulously religious, although he is not curbing his tongue but is deceiving himself, his religious service is worthless.

World English Bible
If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious while he doesn’t bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this man’s religion is worthless.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
If anyone thinks to be religious among you, not bridling his tongue, but deceiving his heart, the religion of this one [is] vain;

Berean Literal Bible
If anyone seems to be religious, not bridling his tongue, but deceiving his heart, the religion of this one is worthless.

Young's Literal Translation
If any one doth think to be religious among you, not bridling his tongue, but deceiving his heart, of this one vain is the religion;

Smith's Literal Translation
If any among you seem to be religious, bridling not his tongue, but deceiving his heart, the religion of this one vain.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And if any man think himself to be religious, not bridling his tongue, but deceiving his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if anyone considers himself to be religious, but he does not restrain his tongue, but instead seduces his own heart: such a one’s religion is vanity.

New American Bible
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, his religion is vain.

New Revised Standard Version
If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
If any man thinks that he ministers to God, and does not control his tongue, he deceives his own heart, and this man’s ministry is in vain.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And if a man thinks that he serves God, and does not hold his tongue, but deceives his heart, this person's service is worthless.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
If any one among you seems to be religious, and bridles not his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

Godbey New Testament
But if any one seems to be religious, bridling not his own tongue, but deceiving his own heart, the religion of that man is vain.

Haweis New Testament
If any man thinks he is a religious character among you, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man?s religion is vain.

Mace New Testament
If a person of an ungovernable tongue pretends to religion, he abuses himself: for his religion is meer illusion.

Weymouth New Testament
If a man thinks that he is scrupulously religious, although he is not curbing his tongue but is deceiving himself, his religious service is worthless.

Worrell New Testament
If anyone thinks that he is religious, while he bridles not his own tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

Worsley New Testament
If any among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his heart, this man's devotion is vain.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Hearing and Doing
…25But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does. 26If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless. 27Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Matthew 12:36-37
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Proverbs 21:23
He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.

Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.

Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

Matthew 15:11
A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.”

1 Peter 3:10
For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.

Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.

Colossians 3:8
But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Proverbs 17:27-28
A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. / Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.

Psalm 34:13
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.

Luke 6:45
The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

Proverbs 18:21
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Titus 3:2
to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.

Proverbs 15:1-2
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. / The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.

Ecclesiastes 5:2-3
Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few. / As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words.

Treasury of Scripture

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridles not his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

seem.

Proverbs 14:12
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 16:25
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Luke 8:18
Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

bridleth.

James 1:19
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

James 3:2-6
For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body…

Psalm 32:9
Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

but.

James 1:22
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Deuteronomy 11:16
Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;

Isaiah 44:20
He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?

this.

James 2:20
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

Isaiah 1:13
Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting.

Malachi 3:14
Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?

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James 1

1. James greets the twelve tribes among the nations;
2. exhorts to rejoice in trials and temptations;
5. to ask patience of God;
13. and in our trials not to impute our weakness, or sins, to him,
19. but rather to hearken to the word, to meditate on it, and to do thereafter.
26. Otherwise men may seem, but never be, truly religious.

Berean Study Bible

If anyone considers himself religious
The phrase "considers himself religious" invites introspection about one's spiritual life. The Greek word for "religious" here is "θρησκὸς" (thrēskos), which refers to outward expressions of worship and piety. Historically, this term was used to describe the ceremonial aspects of religion, such as rituals and observances. In the context of James, it challenges believers to reflect on whether their external religious practices align with their internal spiritual state. The conservative Christian perspective emphasizes that true religion is not merely about external observance but about a heart transformed by Christ.

and yet does not bridle his tongue
The imagery of "bridle" comes from the Greek word "χαλιναγωγέω" (chalinagōgeō), which means to lead or control, as one would with a horse. This metaphor suggests the importance of self-control, particularly in speech. In the ancient world, the tongue was often seen as a powerful force, capable of both blessing and cursing. The conservative Christian view underscores the necessity of aligning one's speech with the teachings of Christ, as words have the power to build up or destroy. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching found in Proverbs and the teachings of Jesus about the significance of words.

he deceives his heart
The concept of deception here is rooted in the Greek word "ἀπατάω" (apataō), meaning to lead astray or mislead. The heart, in biblical terms, is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. James warns that failing to control one's tongue leads to self-deception, where one believes they are righteous while their actions suggest otherwise. From a conservative standpoint, this highlights the danger of hypocrisy and the need for integrity in the Christian life, where one's inner convictions must match outward actions.

and his religion is worthless
The term "worthless" is translated from the Greek word "μάταιος" (mataios), meaning futile or vain. This stark conclusion emphasizes that without the fruit of self-control, particularly in speech, one's religious practices are empty. Historically, this would resonate with the Jewish audience of James, who understood the importance of both faith and works. The conservative Christian interpretation stresses that genuine faith must manifest in practical holiness and love, as taught by Jesus. Religion, therefore, is not about empty rituals but about a life transformed by the gospel, evidenced by controlled speech and righteous living.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(26) But St. James has thus far dilated only on the first part of his advice in James 1:19, "Let every man be swift to hear"; now he must enforce the remaining clause, "slow to speak."

If any man among you seem to be religious . . .--Better, If any one imagine himself to be religious, not bridling his tongue, but deceiving his own heart, this man's religion is vain. The sense of the Greek is slightly obscured by the English version. "If any man . . . seem"--i.e., to himself, and not to others merely; the warning is not to the hypocrite, but the self-deceived. A Christian may have, or rather cannot help having, the feeling that he is a religious man; and so far well. But if such a one deceive his own heart, as confessedly he may, and give to those around him the proof of his self-delusion in not curbing his tongue, vain and useless is all his religious service. Just as some mistakenly suppose there can be a religion of hearing without acting, so others rest satisfied "in outward acts of worship, or exactness of ritual." "But," remarks Bishop Moberly on this passage, and his voice may win an audience where another's would not, "if a man think himself a true worshipper because he conforms to outward services, while he lets his tongue loose in untruth or unkindness or other unseemliness, he deceives himself." The first mark of true religion is gentleness of tongue, just as the contrary, blasphemy, is the most damning fault of all. Our Lord directly says, "By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned" (Matthew 12:37). The text, however, is more a guide for self-examination than a stone to be cast at a neighbour; and "well is" it indeed for "him that hath not slipped with his tongue" (Ecclesiasticus 25:8).

The Apostle returns to this subject, though from a different point of view, in James 3, which compare with the above. The best commentary on the whole is Bishop Butler's Sermon, No. IV., "Upon the Government of the Tongue."

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 26. - Seem (δοκεῖ); seems to himself rather than to others; translate, with R.V., thinketh himself to be. Vulgate, Si quis Putat se esse. Religious (θρῆσκος). It is difficult to find an English word which exactly answers to the Greek. The noun θρησκεία refers properly to the external rites of religion, and so gets to signify an over-scrupulous devotion to external forms (Lightfoot on Colossians 2:18); almost "ritualism." It is the ceremonial service of religion, the external forms, a body of which εὐσεβεία is the informing soul. Thus the θρῆσκος (the word apparently only occurs here in the whole range of Greek literature) is the diligent performer of Divine offices, of the outward service of God, but not necessarily anything more. This depreciatory sense of θρησκεία ισ well seen in a passage of Philo ('Quod Det. Pot. 'Jus.,' 7), where, after speaking of some who would fain be counted among the εὐλαβεῖς on the score of diverse washings or costly offerings to the temple, he proceeds: Πεπλάνηται γὰρ καὶ οϋτος τῆς πρὸς εὐσεβείαν ὁδοῦ θρησκείαν ἀντὶ ὁσιότητος ἡγούμενος (see Trench on 'Synonyms,' from whom the reference is here taken). "How delicate and fine, then, St. James's choice of θρῆσκος and θρησκεία! 'If any man,' he would say, 'seem to himself to be θρῆσκος, a diligent observer of the offices of religion, if any man would render a pure and undefiled θρησκεία to God, let him know that this consists, not in outward lustrations or ceremonial observances; nay, that there is a better θρησκεία than thousands of rams and rivers of oil, namely, to do justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with his God (Micah 6:7, 8); or, according to his own words, ' to visit the widows and orphans in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world'" (Trench on 'Synonyms,' p. 170: the whole passage will well repay study. Reference should also be made to Coleridge, 'Aids to Reflection,' p. 15). Bridleth not (μὴ χαλιναγωγῶν). The thought is developed more fully afterwards (see James 3:2, etc., and for the word, cf. Polyc., 'Ad Philippians,' c.v.).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

If
Εἴ (Ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

anyone
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

considers himself
δοκεῖ (dokei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1380: A prolonged form of a primary verb, doko dok'-o of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem.

religious
θρησκὸς (thrēskos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2357: Probably from the base of throeo; ceremonious in worship, i.e. Pious.

[and yet] does not bridle
χαλιναγωγῶν (chalinagōgōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5468: To bridle, curb, restrain, sway. From a compound of chalinos and the reduplicated form of ago; to be a bit-leader, i.e. To curb.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

tongue,
γλῶσσαν (glōssan)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1100: The tongue; by implication, a language.

he deceives
ἀπατῶν (apatōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 538: To deceive, cheat, lead into error. Of uncertain derivation; to cheat, i.e. Delude.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

heart
καρδίαν (kardian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2588: Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.

[and his]
τούτου (toutou)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

religion
θρησκεία (thrēskeia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2356: From a derivative of threskos; ceremonial observance.

[is] worthless.
μάταιος (mataios)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3152: Vain, unreal, ineffectual, unproductive; practically: godless. From the base of maten; empty, i.e. profitless, or, an idol.

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NT Letters: James 1:26 If anyone among you thinks himself (Ja Jas. Jam)