Hearing and Doing the Word of Truth

Wise living according to the “word of truth” constitutes the theme of James 1:19–27, and we have seen thus far that such wisdom consists in being quick to hear the Word of God and to continually receive it in the sense of allowing it to shape our being and actions (vv. 19–21). Building on this line of thought in today’s passage, James stresses that receiving the Word and having it form us includes hearing but is more than hearing.

James 1:22 makes this point in telling us to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Note first that the word translated as “be” in the ESV is actually the imperative form of the Greek term ginomai, which means “become.” Thus, we may translate verse 22 more accurately as “become doers of the word.” The Apostle is not interested in outward action only—that is, in doing God’s Word by obeying it externally apart from a heart that is fully engaged. He desires character formation. He wants us to become the kind of people who do the Word, who have the willingness and strength to obey from deep within and are discontent with mere outward obedience.

By the Holy Spirit, we are to develop the character of a doer of the Word. Acting according to the truth must accompany hearing the truth. Even non-Christians know this. James’ instruction is well in line with the moral teachings of the ancient Greek philosophers, who likewise called their students to do and not merely to hear without doing. Trust in God bears fruit in obedience to God, in actions that evidence love of Him and neighbor. “Faith” that does not bear such fruit is not saving faith (James 2:14–26). Thus, James warns us that if we are only hearers of the Word of truth and not doers, we deceive ourselves about the state of our souls (1:22). Hearing God’s Word without responding properly will not save us.

Today’s passage also echoes Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount when He contrasts those who hear His words and put them into practice and those who hear His words but do not do them. The former build godly character that withstands the storms of life and perseveres in faith unto eternal life, but the latter do not build such character and cannot weather the storms or endure to the end in faith (Matt. 7:24–27). Augustine of Hippo comments: “If it is a good thing to hear, it is a much better thing to do. If you do not hear, you cannot do, and therefore you will build nothing. But if you hear and do not do, then what you are building will be a ruin.”