[James was speaking to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations; he said that they had heard this doctrine; they had believed it; but they had put it to no practical use. James said they were like someone who looked in a mirror, saw food that had been caught in their teeth and just left it there!] “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. DO WHAT IT SAYS. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” [Jam. 1:22-24] [The word which we translate LOOKETH INTO, is very definite, and suggests that deep and attentive attention given to a subject which a man cannot bring up to his eyes, but must bend his back and neck, stooping down, that he may see it to a better benefit for his understanding.] “But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, AND CONTINUES IN IT–not forgetting what they have heard, BUT DOING IT–THEY WILL BE BLESSED IN WHAT THEY DO.” (Jam. 1:25) [Or as it says in the KJV “How can a young man cleanse his way?” the word “way” here, signifies a track, a rut, such as is made by the wheel of a cart. A young sinner has no broad beaten path; he has his own private ways of offense, his secret pollutions: how shall he be purified from these? How can he be saved from what will destroy mind, body, and soul? Let each young person hear this explanation from our Abba Father.
1. He is to consider that his way is impure; and be aware of how offensive this makes him seem in the sight of God.
2. He must examine his way according to God’s word, and carefully hear what God has said regarding him and this path he has chosen.
3. He must take heed to it, to KEEP GUARD, AND PRESERVE HIS WAY – his general course of life, from all harm.]
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? BY LIVING ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD. I seek you with ALL MY HEART; do not let me stray from your commands. I HAVE HIDDEN YOUR WORD IN MY HEART THAT I MIGHT NOT SIN AGAINST YOU. Praise be to you, LORD; teach me your decrees.” (Psa. 119:9-12)
