James seems to be writing against a background of heated debate over the interpretation of God's Word, but with concern for the doing of it. This seems to be the point James drives home in the opening section of his letter. He particularly addresses debate that prompts anger. The various translations do not necessarily make the passage as pointed as this, but it does seem best to treat it this way. eg. v21, "get rid of all moral filth" = "get rid of all nasty rancorous argumentation".

v19. James encourages his readers to take note of the Word of God, but be slow to open their mouth about it, and certainly be slow to get into a heated debate about it. Anger is not an expression of the righteous life.

v20. So, in the study of the Word of God, put away ranker,

v21. Moffit translates this verse as "so clear away all foul rank growth of malice and make a soil of humble modesty for the Word which roots itself inwardly with power to save your souls."

v22. James' key exhortation, with regard the Word of God, is that we be not listeners, but doers of the Word. We are not to be like someone just glancing in a mirror without taking full note of the way we look. We are not to just glance at the Word of God and so fail to allow it to make an impression upon our lives.

v23-24. Rather, we are to be a people who meditate on the Word, understand the Law of God, and so apply it in our lives, receiving the blessing it contains.

v25. The law brings "freedom". It is not so much a restraint, but rather a guide to right living and therefore a practical means of blessing.

v26-27. If we consider ourselves "religious" (pious - expressing the outward form of religion, the externals of religion), then we shouldn't get into critical religious arguments - debates over mere words. Such behavior demonstrates a piety that is worthless. This type of behavior is a piety of words, but has no reality. True piety is expressed by loving others (caring for orphans and widows), and keeping clear of worldly sin.

Our passage for study encourages us to be "doers of the Word of God, and not hearers only", AV.

We face the same temptations today as were faced by the early church. We love to get into discussions over the Bible, but find it a lot more difficult to do what it says. Of course, our problem is even more complex than that. Theological knowledge can easily become a good work in itself. We can easily make theology our religion. It is easy to conclude that the purity of our theological knowledge somehow determines the worthiness of our faith. The consequence is rancorous arguments over matters of theology and our judgment of others based on the degree to which they agree with us. It is very human to assume that purity of truth rests in our own person. We protestants, in particular, take the claim "every man and his Bible" to absurd extremes. Everyone becomes their own "prophet" and "teacher", and so truth becomes the preserve of the individual rather than the body of Christ. In the end, our own sectarian doctrine becomes the substance of our faith.

We would do well to remember the words of the writer of the book of Ecclesiastes, "Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." 12:12-14.

So then, in this passage from James we are faced with two basic exhortations:

James' words are to the point and we do well to apply them to ourselves. We must get "rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in" us. James is not speaking of sexual thoughts here, he is speaking of a rancorous, narrow-minded, judgmental, approach to Biblical understanding. If we are constantly verbalizing our piety, we need to take note: "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless."

For James, the perfect law (the law of love which gives freedom) is something, not so much to be studied, but done. It is something to be lived out in our lives. Living the truth is what is important. Of course, we always come back to the question, "how can I live like Christ? How can I live the law of love?" Only Christ can shape love in me, and so I look to him to renew me day by day.

1. When does discussion become rancorous debate?

2. When a Bible study gets heated what should we do?

3. How would you handle a discussion with a Jehovah's Witness on the basic doctrines of the Christian faith?

4. By what means can we move from being a hearer to a doer?

5. How essential is Bible Study to the Christian faith and by what authority do you support your position.