Hearing and Doing

The apostle James often exhorts his readers with stark contrasts. For example, he contrasts the man of faith with the double-minded and unstable one who doubts (1:6–8). Or he contrasts our sinful desires that lead to death with God’s good gifts that lead to a new birth (1:14–18). Another contrast is between hearing and doing. Let’s look at this contrast a little more deeply with the Legacy Standard Bible with Strong’s Numbers.

James 1:22

“But become doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.”

James has just exhorted his brothers to “receive the implanted word, which is able to save [their] souls” (verse 21). His point seems to be that the “implanted word” they’ve received is like a seed that is ready to burst forth in new life. This new life is what brings about salvation and transformation. They need to see to it that it issues forth in obedience. Just as a light is not given to be covered up but so that it might shine in the darkness (see Matt. 5:14–16), so the word God has planted in the minds, hearts, and souls of these believers is to issue forth in a life marked by obedience. The one who hears and doesn’t do has deceived himself.

James 1:23–24

“For is anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he looked at himself and has gone away, he immediately forgot what kind of person he was.”

While it’s hard to imagine the scenario James describes here, the meaning is straightforward. If you only hear the word and don’t follow up by doing it, then you don’t know who you are. Hearing the word is like looking in the mirror, and failing to do the word is like walking away from the mirror and forgetting what it was you were just looking at. The one who hears and doesn’t obey forgets who they are.

James 1:25

“But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of freedom, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this man will be blessed in what he does.”

If the hearer only is deluded and forgetful, then the one who hears and obeys is blessed. This shows us that hearing or listening to the word is not enough. We can’t expect God’s blessings simply because we know what the law says. We have to abide by it. We have to do what the law requires. Blessings accompany obedience not merely hearing the word.

Lest we think James is describing some sort of legalistic morality or works righteousness, we have to keep in mind how he introduces this contrast. The obedience he’s aiming at in these verses flows from the word God has planted in their souls (verse 21). Furthermore, in an even greater description of God’s sovereign work, James describes God as birthing these believers by his word (verse 18). These children have been born in order to obey, not obey in order to become children.

Read, Learn, and Obey with the Legacy Standard Bible with Strong’s

The Legacy Standard Bible (LSB) is a clear and consistent translation and it’s even better with Strong’s Numbers! The LSB with Strong’s provides you with what you need to study God’s word and see how it gives you access to the original languages. Get your copy today!