Matthew Poole and continuators on James 1:26

26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue , but deceiveth his own heart , that man's religion is vain .

Seems to others, or rather to himself; thinks himself religious, because of his hearing and outward Worship; thus the Word rendred seems, is often taken, 1 Cor. 3.18. and 8.2. and 14.37. Gal. 6.3. Here he shews who are not do[illegible: 1 letter]rs of the Work, as in the next Verse, who are.

Restrains it not from the common Vices of the Tongue, reviling, railing, censuring, &c.

Either deceiveth his own heart in thinking himself Religious, when indulging himself in things so contrary to Religion, or deceives his own heart, being blinded with self-love, and lifted up with self-conceit, which is the cause of his censuring, and speaking evil of others.

Empty and to no purpose, having no reality in it self, and bringing no benefit to him.

Marginal references: Psal. 34.13. and 39.1. 1 Pet. 3.10.