James 1:23 net — For if someone merely listens to the message and does not live it out, he is like someone who gazes at his own face in…

NET Bible

"For if someone merely listens to the message and does not live it out, he is like someone who gazes at his own face in a mirror."

— James 1:23, NET Bible

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James 1:23 in Other Translations

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James 1 — Context

20

For human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.

21

So put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the message implanted within you, which is able to save your souls.

22

But be sure you live out the message and do not merely listen to it and so deceive yourselves.

23

For if someone merely listens to the message and does not live it out, he is like someone who gazes at his own face in a mirror.

24

For he gazes at himself and then goes out and immediately forgets what sort of person he was.

25

But the one who peers into the perfect law of liberty and fixes his attention there, and does not become a forgetful listener but one who lives it out– he will be blessed in what he does.

26

If someone thinks he is religious yet does not bridle his tongue, and so deceives his heart, his religion is futile.

James 1:23 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does James 1:23 say?
James 1:23 in the NET Bible reads: “For if someone merely listens to the message and does not live it out, he is like someone who gazes at his own face in a mirror.”
Where is James 1:23 in the Bible?
James 1:23 is found in the New Testament, in the book of James, chapter 1, verse 23.
Who wrote James?
James is traditionally attributed to James, half-brother of Jesus, leader of the Jerusalem church. It was written c. AD 44–49.
What is the book of James about?
James is the New Testament's closest cousin to Old-Testament wisdom literature — pungent, practical, and uncompromising. Faith without works is dead. The tongue is a fire. The prayers of a righteous man avail much. It calls Christians to walk their talk.
What are the major themes of James?
James explores themes including Faith and Works, Wisdom, Speech, Suffering, Prayer. These themes shape the meaning and context of James 1:23.
What translation should I read James 1:23 in?
James 1:23 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize James 1:23?
James 1:23 reads (NET): “For if someone merely listens to the message and does not live it out, he is like someone who gazes at his own face in a mirror.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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