For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
For - the logical self deceit (James 1:22) illustrated. The true disciple, say the Rabbis, learns that he may do, not that he may merely know or teach.
His natural face, х to (G3588) prosoopon (G4383) tees (G3588) geneseoos (G1078)] - the countenance of his birth: that he was born with. As a man beholds his natural face in a mirror, so the hearer perceives his moral visage in God's Word. This faithful portraiture of man's soul in Scripture is strong proof of its truth. In it we see mirrored God's glory as well as our natural vileness.