James 1:21 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Wherefore Because wrath is such a hinderance to true religion, and you are regenerated; lay apart As you would a dirty garment; all filthiness Every kind of sin which is of a defiling nature. The word ρυπαρια, here used, signifies filthiness adhering to the body. When, as here, applied to the mind, it denotes those lusts and appetites, and other sins which defile the soul, particularly those which are gratified by gluttony, drunkenness, and uncleanness; vices to which many Jews, pretending to be teachers, were addicted; and superfluity of naughtiness Κακιας, maliciousness, or wickedness of any sort; for however specious and necessary it may appear to worldly wisdom, it is vile, hateful, contemptible, and really superfluous: every reasonable end may be effectually answered without any kind or degree of it. Lay this, every known sin, aside by the grace of God, or all your hearing is vain; and receive Into your ears, your heart, your life; with meekness Constant evenness and serenity of mind, or with an humble, submissive frame of spirit; the ingrafted word The word of the gospel, ingrafted in penitent, believing souls by regeneration, (James 1:18,) and by habit, (Hebrews 5:14,) through the influence of God's Spirit attending the ministry of your teachers, 1 Corinthians 3:5-6. Which is able to save your souls As a means appointed by God for that end, and when received by faith, Hebrews 4:2.