James 1:26 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

²⁶ If anyone considers himself to be religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, this person is self-deceived and his religion is worthless.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

²⁶ 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.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

²⁶ If anyone thinks himself to be religious (piously observant of the external duties of his faith) and does not bridle his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person's religious service is worthless (futile, barren).

American Standard Version (1901)

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.

Common English Bible

²⁶ If those who claim devotion to God don’t control what they say, they mislead themselves. Their devotion is worthless.

Catholic Public Domain Version

²⁶ 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.

Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version

²⁶ And if any man think himself to be religious, not bridling his tongue, but deceiving his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

James 1:26 Cross References

Matthew 15:9

They are worshiping me for nothing [because they are] teaching principles that are [merely] the requirements of men.’”

Mark 7:7

They are worshiping me for nothing because they are teaching principles which are [merely] the requirements of men.’

Luke 8:18

Pay attention to how you listen, for to the person who [already] has something, [more] will be given, but from the person who has [virtually] nothing, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.”

1 Corinthians 15:15

And also, we are found to be false witnesses about God because we testified that God raised up Christ [from the dead], when [in reality] He did not raise Him up if, in fact, the dead are not raised up.

1 Corinthians 15:2

[and] you have been saved by it also, if you hold on to it firmly [i.e., continue believing and practicing it]. For if you do not [hold on to it firmly], you will have believed [it] all for nothing.

1 Corinthians 3:18

No one should fool himself. If any person among you thinks he is smart, by human standards, he should become a “fool,” so that he can become [really] wise.

Galatians 2:6

These apostles, who were highly regarded (although it really does not matter to me what they are, for God does not show partiality to any particular person); these men, I say, provided me with nothing [concern­ing the Gospel message].

Galatians 2:9

Also, when they perceived that this [special] favor [of preaching to Gentiles] was granted to me, James, Cephas [i.e., Peter] and John, the highly regarded pillars [i.e., leaders of the church] extended to me and Barnabas their right hands [signifying an agreement] to share [in the preaching of the Gospel], with us going to the Gentiles and they going to the circumcised ones [i.e., Jews].

Galatians 3:4

Did you suffer so many things [for the faith] all for nothing? [That is], if it really was for nothing?

Galatians 6:3

For any person who thinks he is someone [important], when he is really nothing, is self-deceived.

Ephesians 4:29

Do not allow unwholesome [Note: The Greek word for “unwholesome” is “rotten, diseased”] language to come from your mouth, but only what is helpful for building up those who need it, so that you can impart favor [i.e., benefit] to those who listen [to you].

Ephesians 5:4

Nor should obscenity, silly chatter or double-meaning jokes be used, because they are not proper either. But instead, [you should express] thanksgiving.

Colossians 4:6

Your speech should always be favorable, seasoned with salt [i.e., interesting and appropriate], so that you may know how to properly answer each person [you talk with].

James 1:19

You people [already] know this [or, “you should know this”], my dearly loved brothers. However, every person should be quick to listen, slow to talk and slow in becoming angry.

James 1:22

But you should not deceive yourselves by just listening [to God’s word] instead of doing what the word teaches.

James 2:20

But will you acknowledge, you foolish person, that faith without [good] deeds is useless?

1 Peter 3:10

For [Psalm 39:12 says], “The person who loves [his] life and wants to have happy days, should avoid saying anything bad or deceptive.