Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY

James 1:26

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures
- 26 If any man thinks he is a worshipper of God* but does not keep a tight rein on* his tongue,+ he is deceiving his own heart, and his worship is futile.

James 1:26

The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures
- 26 Εἴ If τις anyone δοκεῖ is thinking θρῆσκος formal worshiper εἶναι to be μὴ not χαλιναγωγῶν leading by bridle γλῶσσαν tongue ἑαυτοῦ of himself ἀλλὰ but ἀπατῶν misleading καρδίαν heart ἑαυτοῦ, of himself, τούτου of this (one) μάταιος vain ἡ the θρησκεία. form of worship.

James 1:26

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—With References
- 26 If any man seems to himself* to be a formal worshiper*+ and yet does not bridle his tongue,+ but goes on deceiving his own heart,+ this man’s form of worship is futile.+

James 1:26

The Bible in Living English
- 26 If one thinks himself devout while not bridling his tongue but deceiving his own heart, that man’s devotions are futile.

James 1:26

American Standard Version
- 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.

James 1:26

The Emphasized Bible
- 26 If any thinketh he is observant of religion, Not curbing his own tongue But deceiving his own heart This one’s religious observance is vain:

James 1:26

King James Version
- 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.

James Study Notes—Chapter 1

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)
- 1:26
  
  is a worshipper of God: Or “is religious.” This term is related to the expression “form of worship” found in verse 27.
  
  does not keep a tight rein on his tongue: Or “does not bridle his tongue.” Here James uses another vivid word picture. (Jas 1:6 and study note) He compares controlling a person’s tongue to using a bridle to control a horse. The rider controls the horse by using the bridle, that is, headgear consisting of a bit and reins. (Jas 3:2, 3; see Media Gallery, “Roman-Era ‘Bridles in the Mouths of Horses.’”) Likewise, “a worshipper of God” needs to keep his own tongue, or speech, under control. Unrestrained speech—such as slander, lying, or verbal abuse—can damage his relationship with Jehovah, even making his worship futile, or useless, unacceptable to God.—Le 19:16; Eph 4:25; Jas 3:8-10.