26 [a]If any man among you seem religious, and refraineth not his tongue, but deceiveth his [b]own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

27 [c]Pure religion and undefiled before God, even the Father, is this, to [d]visit the fatherless, and widows in their adversity, and to keep himself unspotted of the world.

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Footnotes

  1. James 1:26 The third admonition: The word of God prescribeth a rule not only to do well, but also to speak well.
  2. James 1:26 The fountain of all brabbling, and cursed speaking, and sauciness, is this, that men know not themselves.
  3. James 1:27 The fourth: the true service of God standeth in charity toward our neighbors (especially such as need others’ help, as the fatherless and widows), and purity of life.
  4. James 1:27 To have a care of them, and to help them as much as we can.

26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues(A) deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after(B) orphans and widows(C) in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.(D)

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