King James Bible
"If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain."
James addresses those who outwardly appear devout through religious practices and observances. The word 'seem' suggests a focus on external appearance rather than genuine spiritual transformation, warning against superficial faith. The metaphor of bridling evokes controlling a horse—speech requires similar restraint and direction. James identifies uncontrolled speech as a primary indicator of false religion, connecting to his broader teaching that the tongue reveals the heart's true condition. Self-deception occurs when someone mistakes religious activity for spiritual maturity while ignoring moral failures. This delusion is particularly dangerous because the person remains blind to their need for genuine change. James declares such religion worthless or empty, accomplishing nothing of eternal value. The verdict is absolute—without self-control in speech, all religious exercises become hollow performances rather than true worship.