It seems that verses 19-27 are just miscellaneous instructions, but a closer examination reveals that they really continue in the context of the preceding passage and lead into the following text as well.   Vs. 18 teaches us that regeneration comes through the Word of Truth.  This new birth then is the beginning of change and obedience to God’s desire for us.  Vs. 19-27 give us the things God expects from us if we are to truly live for Him.  Vs. 19-21 emphasizes listening to and receiving the Word, while vs. 22-25 stresses the doing of the Word.

(19)         James calls for our attention here – “Take note of this.”  Listen-up now!  Reception of the Word demands a readiness to listen.  It also demands restraining speech.  A continual talker cannot hear what anyone else is saying and will not hear when God speaks either.  Anger closes the mind to God’s truth, so anger is rebuked here.  A fiercely argumentative attitude is not conducive to humble reception of truth. 

(20)         “For” – shows the reasoning behind the previous verse - because anger contradicts the life that God intends for His people. 

(21)         In preparing to receive the Word – we must “get rid of” all moral filth.  This term is related to the removal of a garment – to shed or to throw off (Heb. 12:1 – in light of getting rid of any extra weight in order to run a race). This moral filth, which is “so prevalent’ should be stripped off to prepare to “accept the Word.”  We are to “humbly” accept the Word, speaking of the strength of character necessary to submit rather than rebel against correction.  James is speaking to believers as he states the “Word planted in you.” However, for them (and us) to be truly changed, we must humbly accept this Word so it may be fully appropriated in us.

(22)         Here is the central point of James’ message to the church.  Put into practice what you profess to believe.  Simply hearing God’s Word is not enough unless followed up by a change in us so that we carry out what we learn.  Those who only hear the Word and don’t combine doing with hearing, are in a most vulnerable position.  They think that by hearing the truth they have earned some special position with God.  Actually the responsibility of those who hear is greater than those who have never heard. 

(23-24)   James uses this illustration of a man looking at his face in the mirror to show how the child of God is to look at the truth of the Word.  We should not just hear the Word and walk away forgetting what God expects of us.  We must intently look at and understand every facet of God’s expectations.  This way we can put into practice the things we have learned and become doers of the Word.  Any failure to respond, then, cannot be blamed on a lack of understanding.  The whole purpose of listening to the truth is to act upon it.  Believers do not really understand truth without experiencing it.  As we gain knowledge through experience, we can then affect subsequent experiences.  We must learn by doing and not by hearing only.

(25)         James contrasts the hearer with the hearer/doer – This person will be blessed in al he does.  The reason for this blessing:

a.        He “looks intently” – an in-depth study of God’s Word in a search for deep truth and life changing understanding

b.       “He continues to do this” – Ps 1 – He meditates on God’s law day and night – continually seeking, searching, studying.

c.        He does not forget “what he has heard”

d.       He put into practice the truth of the Word

James speaks of the “perfect law” not to indicate the Old Testament law, but the perfect law of God as a result of Christ’s obedience.  This is now the completion of the law in Christ or its perfection.  It is a law of freedom from the bonds of sin and death by which we are set free (John 8:32).

(26 – 27)                These verses show three specific areas where truth should be put into practice:  1) in speech – the person considers himself religious by observing the rituals of religion and yet has no control over his tongue.  In living like this, he deceives himself and his religion is a sham.  2) vs. 27 – The kind of religion “that God our Father accepts” is not if knowing the rules and following some rituals, but a changed life that put others before ourselves and puts into practice the inner spiritual reality that expresses itself in love for others and holiness before God.  James then gives an example of this kind of religion and love.   See also: Mark 25:36, 43.  3) One will avoid being “polluted by the world” – speaking of the total system of evil around us that opposes itself to God and His ways. 

                So, it is not enough to know the spiritual truths of about our beliefs.  It is not enough to participate in some religious practices of our faith.  Our superficial acts just don’t cut it.  Our true religion is demonstrated by carrying out the spiritual truths we have studied so hard to learn and understand with a practical application of loving others and purifying ourselves before God.