James 1:24

24 For he considered himself and went his way and in one hour forgot what he was 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 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

23 For if anyone hears the word and does not put it into practice, this same is like unto the man beholding his natural face in a mirror:

24 For he considered himself and went his way and in one hour forgot what he was like.

25 But whosoever has looked attentively into the perfect law of liberty and has persevered in it, not being a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, the same shall be blessed in their deed.

26 If anyone among you thinks to be religious and does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his own heart, his religion is vain.