Week 5 – James 1:22

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. – James 1:22 (NIV)

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

Click here for printable verse cards: Week 5 – Printable Cards

We’ve all heard the phrase “actions speak louder than words.”  James is saying something similar here (and he continues this line of discussion in chapter 2 when he discusses faith vs works).  It’s wonderful to study the Bible and memorize scripture (like we’re doing here), but simply knowing what the Bible says is nowhere near enough.  We must also translate that knowledge into action if we want to please God.  For example, knowing that God wants us to help the poor and feed the hungry is great, but that knowledge is useless if we don’t actually do something to provide help for those in need.  Similarly, if we know the Bible teaches us to love one another, but continue to speak harshly to those around us and treat each other unkindly, then we’re not pleasing God.  Let’s be “doers of the word…”

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