James 1:24

24 They take a good look at themselves and then go away and at once forget what they look like.

James 1:24 Meaning and Commentary

James 1:24

For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way
He takes a slight glance of himself, and departs:

and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was;
he forgets either his spots, blemishes, and imperfections; or his comeliness and beauty; the features of his face, be they comely or not: so a bare hearer of the word, who is not concerned to practise what he hears, while he is hearing, he observes some things amiss in himself, and some excellencies in Christ; but, when the discourse is over, he goes his way, and thinks no more of either.

James 1:24 In-Context

22 Do not deceive yourselves by just listening to his word; instead, put it into practice.

23 If you listen to the word, but do not put it into practice you are like people who look in a mirror and see themselves as they are.

24 They take a good look at themselves and then go away and at once forget what they look like.

25 But if you look closely into the perfect law that sets people free, and keep on paying attention to it and do not simply listen and then forget it, but put it into practice - you will be blessed by God in what you do.

26 Do any of you think you are religious? If you do not control your tongue, your religion is worthless and you deceive yourself.