26 If anyone thinks he is religious, although he[a] does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our[b] God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

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Footnotes

  1. James 1:26 Here “although” is supplied as a component of the participle (“bridle”) which is understood as concessive
  2. James 1:27 Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun

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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