Widows and Orphans — Faves of Dave - Bible Study

James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

In our previous study, James argued that one who hears the word but does nothing about it deceives himself. Here in verse 26, James asserts that a person who “thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue . . .deceives his heart.” Don’t miss the imagery in this teaching. James gives us a picture of a means to control a large, powerful animal such as a horse. Without a bridle, a rider of that horse has little power to steer or stop the animal as needed. But, a small bridle on that animal, manipulated by the rider, has a tremendous effect on making the animal do what the rider wants. James is likening our tongue to an animal that needs to be controlled. It has power and will do what it wants if not subjected to control. Therefore, James says that our tongues need to be bridled. If we don’t do that and let it run wild, we are self-deceived in thinking that we are religious or worshipful people.

James adds that this kind of religion is “worthless.” Literally, it means “empty” or “vain.” There are multiple instances in the Old Testament making it very clear that God despises such worship. Listen to what the Lord says through the prophet Isaiah.

11 “Of what importance to me are your many sacrifices?”

says the LORD.

“I have had my fill of burnt sacrifices,

of rams and the fat from steers.

The blood of bulls, lambs, and goats

I do not want.

12 When you enter my presence,

do you actually think I want this—

animals trampling on my courtyards?

13 Do not bring any more meaningless offerings;

I consider your incense detestable!

You observe new moon festivals, Sabbaths, and convocations,

but I cannot tolerate sin-stained celebrations!

14 I hate your new moon festivals and assemblies;

they are a burden

that I am tired of carrying.

15 When you spread out your hands in prayer,

I look the other way;

when you offer your many prayers,

I do not listen,

because your hands are covered with blood.

16 Wash! Cleanse yourselves!

Remove your sinful deeds

from my sight.

Stop sinning.

17 Learn to do what is right.

Promote justice.

Give the oppressed reason to celebrate.

Take up the cause of the orphan.

Defend the rights of the widow. (NET Bible)

God is using Isaiah to indict the people for their false piety. They practiced certain religious activities but cared nothing about justice to those in need.

James appears to be appealing to this very text in Isaiah when he explains that “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father” is to “visit the orphans and widows in their affliction.” (v. 27) The idea here is not simply to visit in the sense of stopping by to say ‘hi,’ but to have compassion upon their needs and seek to meet those needs as able. Isaiah makes it clear that God wants the Israelites to “take up the cause of the orphan” and “defend the rights of the widow.” (Isa. 1:17) In other words, this is an investment of ourselves and our time to serve others and share the blessings we have received from God with others who need them.

Finally, James adds that pure religion or worship is also characterized by keeping oneself “unstained from the world.” (v. 27) In this context, a suggestion of what this looks like is to make sure your actions toward the orphans and the widows are not an opportunity to take advantage of them. More broadly, if our actions are stained by the world, then no one can tell the difference between our lives and the world. That would not fit in with God’s plan of making us complete.

Prayer: Lord, help me be moved to seek justice for those in need. Help me consider my words before they are said so that they are guided in a safe and healthy direction. Guide my thoughts, words, and actions to be consistent with your character and not that of the world.