“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
—James 1:22
In our text, James tells us it is not enough to just hear the Word of God. Yes, we must listen attentively to the Word, but James says we must do what the Word says. Obedience to the Word of God must become a way of life for every believer. And James writes in the present tense and imperative mood, which means we are commanded to “keep on continually being doers of the Word.”
The word “doers” characterizes the practice of a person’s life. Doctors practice medicine; Mechanics practice working on engines; Nurses practice nursing; Farmers practice farming. Preachers practice preaching. They are doers of the work by trade. It’s their life’s work. They practice it almost every day. In the same way, a true believer practices living according to God’s Word everyday as a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). In Titus 3:8, the Apostle Paul wrote, “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed God should be careful to maintain good works.” And in Titus 3:14, we read, “And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.” The English word “maintained” is translated from the Greek word “proistemi”, which can also be translated “practice.”
Therefore, a mark of true saving faith is a willingness to receive the Word of God with meekness and a desire to apply it in your life. Is this you? How well do you receive the preaching of God’s Word? Do you humbly obey and desire to hear more? “But be doers of the Word and not hearers only.” The phrase “hearers only” comes from an ancient term used for auditors. An auditor is one who listens but does not do the work. Jesus described the Pharisees in this way in Matthew 23:2-3, when He said, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore, whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.” What about you? Are you an auditor of the Word, or a doer of the Word?
Friday Devotional: August 21, 2026
In Christ,
Pastor S. Henry
