26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues(A) deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after(B) orphans and widows(C) in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.(D)

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26 If someone thinks he is religious yet does not bridle his tongue, and so deceives his heart, his religion is futile. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before[a] God the Father[b] is this: to care for orphans and widows in their adversity[c] and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

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Footnotes

  1. James 1:27 tn Or “in the sight of”; Grk “with.”
  2. James 1:27 tn Grk “the God and Father.”
  3. James 1:27 tn Traditionally, “affliction.” BDAG 457 s.v. 1 has “difficult circumstances” for this specific context, but since this is somewhat lengthy, “adversity” was preferred instead.