Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on James 1:25

A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · 19th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.

looketh into--literally, "stoopeth down to take a close look into." Peers into: stronger than "beholdeth," or "contemplated," Jam 1:24. A blessed curiosity if it be efficacious in bearing fruit [BENGEL]. perfect law of liberty--the Gospel rule of life, perfect and perfecting (as shown in the Sermon on the Mount, Mat 5:48), and making us truly walk at liberty (Psa 119:32, Church of England Prayer Book Version). Christians are to aim at a higher standard of holiness than was generally understood under the law. The principle of love takes the place of the letter of the law, so that by the Spirit they are free from the yoke of sin, and free to obey by spontaneous instinct (Jam 2:8, Jam 2:10, Jam 2:12; Joh 8:31-36; Joh 15:14-15; compare Co1 7:22; Gal 5:1, Gal 5:13; Pe1 2:16). The law is thus not made void, but fulfilled. continueth therein--contrasted with "goeth his way," Jam 1:24, continues both looking into the mirror of God's word, and doing its precepts. doer of the work--rather, "a doer of work" [ALFORD], an actual worker. blessed in his deed--rather, "in his doing"; in the very doing there is blessedness (Psa 19:11).

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