The Book Of James

Chapter 1:21-27


1:21 'Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.'

'Therefore'-In light of the trials and pressures of life (1:2-4), our own lusts (1:14), and the fact that the wrath of man doesn't achieve God's purposes (1:20). We need all the help we can get and in addition we can't afford to tamper and dabble in even one sin.

'putting aside'-'lay aside, rid oneself' (Arndt p. 101) (Eph. 4:22; Colossians 3:8; 1 Peter 1:21). Sinful attitudes are not impossible to remove. This is not an impossible task! 'the middle voice emphasizes that the putting away is something we must do for ourselves.' (Woods p. 81) '"Get rid of" is one word in the original language, meaning to strip away, to take off. It pictures taking off that which is unnecessary for our lives or that which is contrary to God's purposes. It is a word used of a snake's shedding his skin and leaving it behind. We are to strip off that which is harmful to us.' (Draper p. 54) See Hebrews 12:1 'let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us'.

'all'-and not just some. Many try to justify a certain sin by saying, 'Well, everyone has some bad habits'. We are fooling ourselves if we think that we can successfully live the Christian life-and yet hold on to some sin at the same time (Matthew 6:24). 'The force of "all" in such cases is "each instance of" or "every trace of", or perhaps "every kind of".' (Roberts p. 71) The language is that of complete submission to the will of God. Are we so in love with God that we want to remove everything that is offensive to Him? (1 Peter 1:14-15)

'filthiness'-'denotes dirt, filth' (Vine p. 99); 'moral uncleanness, vulgarity' (Arndt p. 738) 'There is, in the word, a suggestion of loathsomeness, and it seems likely that in his use of this term it was the writer's design to create in his readers a deep sense of abhorrence of sin, all sin, any sin…..We should be impressed with the fact that James did not seek to soften the character of sin or to obscure God's unwavering opposition to it. There is the disposition today to dally with sin, to excuse it, to resort to euphemisms in referring to it, to speak of "inhibitions", psychological weaknesses, reversions, environmental influences, hereditary factors, etc.,…' (Woods p. 80)

We need to have a greater abhorrence of sin (Romans 12:9; Romans 6:21).

'and all that remains of wickedness'-'whatever wickedness still remains' (TCNT). 'residue, remains' (Thayer p. 505). 'surplus, abundance, "all the evil prevailing around you" (Arndt p. 650). The word "remains" suggests that which is left over (Mark 8:8). Remember, James is speaking to people who are already Christians. But even after one is converted, there are sinful attitudes that the Christian needs to remove (Acts 8:20-23). This expression contradicts various denominational ideas that the Holy Spirit simply overwhelms the individual and purges them automatically of all sin and even the desire to sin.

'wickedness'-'malignity, malice, ill-will, desire to injure' (Thayer p. 320); 'depravity, wickedness, vice' (Arndt p. 397); 'ill will" or "evil feeling". Can mean evil in general or especially ill-will, such as malice. 'Christians must not become comfortable with their sinfulness but must face up to the fact that their Christian commitment allows no toleration of impurity in their lives.' (Kent p. 64)

Points To Note:

  1. The word "remains" can also mean to "overflow". We must realize that we can't keep a sin to ourselves. A sinful attitude will eventually spill over and touch the lives of those around us. 2. Christians need to get rid of the ill-will in their hearts, if they don't, such malice will eventually be unleashed against family members, loved ones and even their own brethren. 3. The verse admits that there is a lot of work that needs to be done after a person becomes a Christian (Hebrews 13:14).



'in humility'-or "meekness"; 'gentleness, mildness' (Thayer p. 535), a humble, teachable disposition. The person who is humble enough to admit their own ignorance. Barclay notes, 'the teachable spirit is without resentment and without anger, and is, therefore, able to face the truth, even when the truth hurts and condemns. The teachable spirit is not blinded by its own overmastering prejudices, but is clear-eyed to the truth. The teachable spirit is not seduced by laziness, but is so self-controlled that it can willingly and faithfully accept the discipline of learning.' (p. 68) 'It is a spirit of controlled dedication' (Draper p. 55)

Vine notes, 'it is that temper of spirit in which we accept His (God's) dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting…which, as such, does not fight against God and more or less struggle and contend with Him…Described negatively, meekness is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest.'

The "meek" or "humble" person isn't weak or cowardly, rather they are very strong. Such an individual might be extremely intelligent, far beyond their peers, but before God, the meek man or woman realizes that they are but children (Matthew 18:3-5); and very imperfect (Luke 18:9-14; 17:10). This is the individual who has a proper view of themselves, they aren't worthless, but at the same time, they aren't the center of the universe either (Romans 12:3).

'receive'-Which infers that it is difficult to accept what the Bible says if one refuses to humble themselves. This is the honest and good heart (Luke 8:15). The word "receive" places the obligation upon us. God isn't going to force us to receive His word (Acts 2:40-41). The word "receive" means that we must be willing to give God a fair hearing (1:19), and to do our best to understand what He is saying. If we are to "receive" the word, then we must understand it, and see its great value and the wisdom of its teaching (See Acts 17:11; 2 Thess. 2:10).

'the word implanted'-'inborn, implanted by other's instruction' (Thayer p. 209); 'implanted or rooted-a word whose property it is to root itself like a seed in the heart' (Vine p. 250).

Points To Note:

  1. The Word of God isn't inborn in the heart, for such would make teaching and preaching unnecessary. In addition, in himself, man doesn't inherently know the truth (Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 16:25; 1 Corinthians 2:9). 2. The word "implanted" must therefore refer to the process of teaching (1 Corinthians 3:6; Mark 4:14; Matthew 13:19 'that which hath been sown in his heart'). Everyone who has become a Christian, has had the word implanted or sown in their hearts through the process of being taught. 'Here again is the positive proof of the absolute necessity of preaching and teaching the truth fully, firmly, and plainly, in order that it may be understood, received without reservation, and thus permitted to have its full influence in the heart.' (Woods p. 83) 3. Carefully note that the 'word' being implanted was the revelation being given through inspired men, either orally or in written form. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16); the Word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12)---in written form also! (2 Timothy 3:16-17).


'which is able to save your souls'-Remember, this was said to people who had already become Christians. The Christian needs to continually receive with meekness the teaching found in the Word, the Christian continually needs to purge their life from any sinful attitude that would arise (2 Cor. 7:1). Even Christians can allow the impact of the Word to become weak in their lives (Luke 8:14).

Points To Note:

  1. James didn't believe in once-saved-always-saved, or a salvation in which we have no obligations or responsibilities. 2. To obtain eternal life, we must remain receptive to the gospel. We must allow the word to have free reign in our lives (John 8:37; 1 Thess. 2:13 'which also performs its work in you who believe.'). ' It is our responsibility to face our need before God and commit it to him. God is not going to barge into our lives and take these evils away from us. He is not going to force his way into our lives and take away that which spills over in wickedness and disrupts those about us. We must come and confess our sins to him. We must come and claim what he offers to us.' (Draper p. 56)


Doers Of The Word

Far from the idea of 'let go and let God'. James wants us to realize that the word is God's communication to us. Merely listening and waiting for something to happen, merely listening and waiting for some influence to overwhelm us---doesn't accomplish anything. We must cooperate with the message, conform to the message and submit to the message. We have a very active role to play in the purposes of God and our own salvation.

1:22 'But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.'

'But'-It is so easy to think that we are doing some great thing by merely reading the Bible or by merely listening to a sermon. Draper notes, 'The greatest tragedy in this century is people who gather information, but never get that information into their lives….There are people like that in church. They enjoy the singing, the preaching, the Bible study. They like to come and receive blessings, but they never do anything. Some people drive miles and miles to get blessed. We do not need people who want to get blessed, but people who want to be a blessing.' (pp. 57-58)

'prove yourselves'-'observe, not only "do", but be doers: the substantive means more than the verb; it carries an enduring, a sort of official force with it; "let this be your occupation"' (Alford p. 1599) 'go on being or becoming', 'show yourselves more and more' (1 Cor. 14:20; Eph. 5:1). 'It is a subtle distinction, but well worth noting, that James wrote "be ye doers of the word" (KJV), rather than merely "do the word". This way of stating it places emphasis upon the kind of person the Christian is to be, not just some act he is to perform.' (Kent p. 65) Again, note where the responsibility is placed-upon the individual Christian. Some people "do" portions of what the word teaches, but they don't enjoy or love the message itself, and especially the God who gave it. Jesus pointed out that if we love God with our whole being, we will naturally want to do our very best in carrying out every command He has given (Matthew 22:37-40).

'doers of the word'-the tense denotes continuous action, "keep on demonstrating yourselves". Jesus wasn't impressed by those who "say and do not" (Matthew 23:3; 7:21, 24-27; Luke 6:46). Jesus believed in doing what God said (John 8:31-32). Christianity was never meant to be merely a theory. Christianity is not for those looking for just a mental exercise. See also John 3:21; 1 John 1:6; 2:3-5.

'not merely hearers'-'It would be well for us to take notice of the fact that the hearer only of which James speaks is not a person who listens with little or no interest; on the contrary…denotes those who listen avidly and feel great interest in the things being presented, but who think that the blessing therein derives from the listening..' (Woods p. 86) Christians need to be reminded that they are "disciples", followers, adherents! Mere listeners are not disciples.

'who delude themselves'-The Bible often warns us against being deceived and deceiving ourselves (Colossians 2:4; 1 Cor. 6:9). God doesn't miraculously protect the Christian from believing what is false.

Points To Note:

  1. And often we are the only one who is deceived when we aren't practicing the truth---others can see our hypocrisy. 2. Too many professed Christians come and study their Bibles, say spiritual things in class or in their prayers, who are very unspiritual at home or at work. 'If his conduct does not match his Christian profession, his hypocrisy rarely fools his friends and neighbors, and it never deceives God.' (Kent p. 66)


1:23 'For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;'

'if anyone'-This isn't a hypothetical situation. This really could and does happen among some professed Christians (Matthew 7:24-27). This can happen to "anyone". And there is never a time in your Christian life when you can say, 'I have reached a level of spirituality in which I don't have to be a "doer of the word." There isn't a level of spirituality that transcends our need to obey what God has said.

'he is like'-God is doing all He can to help us get the point and see how ridiculous a mere hearer of the word looks. We often try to rationalize our failure to obey, 'Well, in just coming to services, I am doing more than most', 'I am ahead of most people by just reading the Bible', 'Maybe if I listen long enough, obeying the word will just come naturally, or without much effort.' We also tend to blame the word, or who might be presenting the word-as why we can't seem to obey. 'If only the sermon was more exciting, if only the speaker was more entertaining.'

'a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror'-'his natural face'-is the face of his birth, i.e. his physical appearance. 'His face as it is by nature' (Macknight p. 351) 'looks'-The contrast here is not between a hasty glance in a mirror verses a more studied look. For the word rendered "looks" in this verse means to consider attentively, to look at with reflection, to consider or contemplate. 'So the contrast is not between a hasty look and a careful contemplation. It is not mere careless hearing of the word which James rebukes, but the neglect to carry into practice what is heard, one may be an attentive and critical hearer of the word, yet not a doer' (Vincent p. 734)

The world is filled with many 'students' of the bible, many 'biblical scholars' who fit into the above category. People who love to spend time in the Scriptures, but never seem to make the application to their personal lives. People to love the bible as literature, archaeology, history, poetry, philosophy, mental stimulation and so on, but they don't love it as a lifestyle.

'in a mirror'-the mirrors of this time period were often made of polished metal.

1:24 'for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.'

'has immediately forgotten'-'The departure from the mirror resulted in an immediate forgetfulness of what the mirror revealed. Since the look into the mirror produced no results, the episode was a complete waste of time and effort…To James, the person who hears God's Word but does not heed it is just as ludicrous' (Kent p. 67)

'what kind of person he was'-There are many people who remember what the Scriptures say, that is they could quote many verses. But they fail the recognize that their life isn't in harmony with what they had just read or heard.

1:25 'But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does.'

'But'-in contrast to the above mere listener, this is the type of person all of us can become.

'looks intently'-'to stoop to a thing in order to look at it, to look at with head bowed forwards; to look into with the body bent---metaph., to look carefully into, inspect curiously (Thayer p. 484) Compare with John 20:5,11; 1 Peter 1:12. This suggests that careful study of the Word of God is necessary so that one knows what to "do" (2 Timothy 2:15).

'perfect'-'having reached its end, finished' (Vine p. 173). 'brought to its end, finished, wanting in nothing necessary to completeness' (Thayer p. 618); 'having attained the end or purpose, complete' (Arndt p. 809). In other places the Word of God, the New Testament revelation is called "perfect" (Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 13:10).

Points To Note:

1. First of all it needs to be noted that God calls the New Testament, a "law" (Hebrews 8:10; 7:12; Galatians 6:2). We must reject the idea that the New Covenant is all "grace" with no rules. 2. The New Testament is called a "perfect" law, because: A. It is the final revelation of God to mankind (Hebrews 1:1-2; Jude 3). It is complete, needing no further revelation to finish what it started. B. It makes man "complete" (2 Tim. 3:16-17), it enables a man or woman to stand before God and be all they need to be. C. It is the fulfillment of the Mosaic law. D. It gives mankind all that man needs to have a relationship with God and his fellowman (2 Peter 1:3). E. It prepares us perfectly for eternal life.

'the law of liberty'-to many people this phrase sounds like a contradiction, because many people have been deceived into thinking that true liberty or freedom means a complete absence of rules. But as many of us grow up and mature we realize that such is very naïve. Take away the rules and we would lose our rights, instead of gaining more rights. Freedom is not the result when all the moral standards are torn down-but the result is anarchy, oppression and fear. The New Testament is called law because it does contain commands that must be obeyed (John 14:15). 'To speak of God's Word as "law" is not to pit James against Paul, for Paul often used this sort of terminology…(Galatians 6:2; Romans 3:27; 8:2).' (Kent p. 68).

Points To Note:

The New Testament is called a law of liberty because: A. Enables us to be freed from sin (John 8:31-32). B. Freedom from the law of Moses (Galatians 5:1). C. The teaching in this law frees us from prejudice, superstition, the fear of death (Hebrews 2:15), worry, anxiety, stress and so on (Matthew 6:25). As we will read the rest of this letter, it is clear that James was not arguing that the Christian is freed is do whatever they like (3:1; 4:4,8; 5:13,20). "Men are free when they want to do what they ought to do" (Kent p. 69). D. It also frees us from human opinion, endless speculation, old wives fables, myths, false science and philosophy (Colossians 2:4; 2 Timothy 4:3; 1 Timothy 6:20). In obeying Christ, I find true liberty, especially liberty from my own selfish desires (Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:14). In addition, in view of the great love which God manifested towards me (John 3:16), bringing myself into conformity with this His law is not a burden, but a pleasure (1 John 5:3).

'and abides by it'-which infers that the gospel is a message that all can understand alike and what is requires is not impossible. I can abide by the will of God-what an encouraging thought! The word "abides" means: 'to remain beside, continue always near'(Thayer p. 485). It is not enough to admire this law or sing its praises, one must obey it. We must also reject the idea that God does the abiding for us. The whole thrust of this section is the responsibility and choice that rests with the individual Christian. To abide in this word also involves not adding our own opinions to the message and not editing what we might not like (2 John 9; Revelation 22:18-19). Abiding in the word means that we need to find what God says to be pleasant and sweet (Psalm 19:10). We need to develop a 'taste' for the truth, even truth that requires us to change.

'not having become a forgetful hearer'-'not listening to it and then forgetting it' (TCNT). Notice the word "become". We can through carelessness "become" a person who fails to apply what God has said.

'but an effectual doer'-That is, we "do" something with the message, we apply it, we live it, we share it with others.

'this man'-this man, and this man alone is the individual that God will bless. God never promises blessings to the disobedient (Matthew 7:24-27).

'shall be blessed in what he does'-'in his practice' (Ber). The word "blessed" means: 'fortunate, usually in the sense of privileged recipient of divine favor' (Arndt p. 486). Jesus stated the same truth, 'blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it' (Luke 11:28; see also Luke 12:43; John 13:17). Carefully note that Jesus and James do not make fun of those who think that obedience is necessary. Check out the following passages (Psalm 19:9-11; 106:3; 119:2; Revelation 22:7). We know that future blessings exist for the obedient, but this verse also seems to imply that blessings come upon the obedient even in this life, that God will open doors for the person who is trying to do His will (Revelation 3:8).

Point To Note:

Sadly, I believe that many Christians have convinced themselves that obedience to the Word of God actually prevents them from being blessed. That "doctrine" so often comes between a person and being successful or having success in teaching others. God doesn't agree.

1:26 'If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless.'

'If anyone'-God is no respector of persons (Romans 2:11). And yet in the world people often will excuse the profanity of someone who is successful. We tend to believe that such coarseness was necessary for them to get ahead. Unfortunately, even Christians can start admiring the brash, arrogant and bold of this world, and think it is almost a virtue to have an unrestrained tongue.

'thinks himself to be religious'-The word "religious" means: 'fearing or worshipping God' (Thayer p. 292). Nothing as changed, there are many people in the world who consider themselves to be very religious or extremely spiritual. Carefully note that our opinion of ourselves can be completely wrong. Just because one claims to be spiritual, doesn't mean that God recognizes their "brand" or definition of spirituality. One may be worshipping God in vain (Matt. 23:23; 7:21-23).

'yet does not bridle his tongue'-"bridle"-'to hold in check, restrain' (Thayer p. 664) (See Psalm 39:1; Job 2:10; Matthew 12:36-37; 15:18; 4:25-29). Note that the responsibility for controlling our tongue rests with us. 'Satan can use the tongue to destroy lives. With a word a heart is lifted or cast down. With a word our spirits are dashed or they are encouraged….If we find ourselves always being critical and condemning, if that is the first thing that comes to our minds, if we are always finding something to be unhappy about, then we have deceived ourselves and do not have the religion of the New Testament.' (Draper p. 68)

'but deceives his own heart'-(1:22). Many people convince themselves that they are right with God-while at the same time they are gossiping, lying, making false accusations, spreading rumors, hurting their spouse or children with angry words and profanity, etc…Note that he deceives his own heart, but many other people who witness his words are not deceived.

Points To Note:

  1. The reader should be impressed that godly words are just as important as sound doctrine. 2. This man who doesn't bride his tongue, could be a very active member in a local congregation. He could be present at very class and worship service. He could even be a teacher, preacher or elder. The person in the above verse considers himself to be very religious-he isn't someone who has fallen away, attends infrequently, or never studies their bible. The person in this verse obviously doesn't consider themselves to be a weak or marginal Christian.


'this man's religion is worthless'-"Worthless"-'devoid of force, truth, success or result' (Thayer p. 393); 'of no value' (Bas); 'futile' (Mof). The reader should note that the above man can and could be a Christian. Various things can make our service to God to be completely worthless (Matthew 15:9; Mark 7:7). God made similar points to His people in the Old Testament (Micah 6:6-8; Zechariah 7:6-10; Isaiah 1:10-18; 1 Samuel 15:22-23).

1:27 'This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.'

'This is'-In contrast to a religion that is worthless. But let the reader note that a pure religion is possible for even imperfect people to manifest and follow. Contrary to the claims of those who are critical, there are many Christians who are not hypocritical, who do obey God and do so from pure motives.

'pure and undefiled religion'-"Pure"-'genuine' (Thayer p. 312). "Undefiled"-'free from contamination' (Vine p. 168).

'in the sight of our God and Father'-What is pure religion in the estimation of God, pure religion from God's viewpoint. Which is the only viewpoint which matters (1 Timothy 2:3). "Father"-If we worship God, who is our Father, while we ourselves are heartless and merciless to those that need us…we should be able to see there is something wrong in our worship.

'to visit'-'primarily to inspect (to look upon, care for, exercise oversight)' (Vine p. 190); to go see, visit someone, also with the connotation of care: look after widows and orphans in their distress.' (Arndt p. 298). In the present tense for having the habit of going to see. 'James strikes a downright blow here at ministry by proxy, or by mere gifts of money. Pure and undefiled religion demands "personal contact" with the world's sorrows: to visit the afflicted, and to visit them in their affliction.' (Vincent p. 736)

'orphans'-bereft of father or parents. In the O.T., God stressed caring for the fatherless and the widows (Exod. 22:22; Deut. 14:29; 16:11; 24:17,19-21; 26:12-13; 28:19). God also portrayed Himself as the protector and defender of those who are vulnerable (Deut. 10:18; Psalm 68:5 'a father of the fatherless and a judge of the widows' ; 146:9. A sign of repentance was to help the fatherless (Isaiah 1:17; Zech. 7:10).

'in their distress'-'difficult circumstances' (Arndt p. 362). That is, we are to help them when they "need" the help and not wait until it is too late. Carefully note that true religion does have an outward expression. Some try to argue that there is no outward expression, rather, what matters is the faith within the heart. God here picks out two categories, this isn't an exhaustive list or definition of pure religion (Galatians 5:19-23), rather they are practical examples.

'and to keep oneself'-'watch over, preserve, keep' (Vine p. 287); 'present active infinitive, "to keep on keeping oneself" (Robertson p. 26). What an encouraging statement! I don't have to be in bondage to my own selfish desires, I don't have to be a slave to the world's values! (1 Tim. 5:22; 6:14; 2 Tim. 4:17; 1 John 5:18; Jude 21 'keep yourselves in the love of God').

'unstained'-'free from vice, unsullied' (Thayer p. 81)

'by the world'-society which is in opposition to God (John 15:19; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15; 5:19).

Points To Note:

  1. Even non-Christians can see that the "world" can stain and corrupt people. History is filled with examples of where people with such promise and ideals ended up to be corrupt and no different from the "world" they were trying to reform. 2. In the context one of the best ways to stop being "worldly" is to start thinking about the needs of someone besides yourself. Too many Christians try to avoid being worldly by living in isolation, or by a purely negative form of Christianity (I'm not doing this, I'm not doing that).


Closing Comments:

James 1:27 has been at the heart of the institutional debate, as to whether the local congregation can build and maintain human institutions, such as orphan homes and old folks homes.

  1. First of all, I believe that most can see that the command is to the individual Christian. The same person who is to keep himself unspotted from the world is the same person who is to visit the orphans and widows. The verse also suggests personal involvement and not merely a religion by proxy or check. The work of the individual Christian isn't identical with the work of the local congregation (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Timothy 5:16).


  1. The local congregation could and did support Christian widows (Acts 6:1; 1 Timothy 5:16), but we never find the local congregation assisting or caring for the physical needs of non-Christians.

  1. There is a difference between a congregation buying a service and owning or operating a secular enterprise. The local congregation can pay the bills for a widow, or buy food for a Christian family in need, but neither would authorize the local church owning and operating a grocery store, etc…

  1. Orphan homes are well as any other brotherhood human organizational usually ends up violating congregational autonomy, even those overseen by a single eldership. For they often appeal for funds outside of that local congregation. In the New Testament, one congregation could give funds to another congregation, only when that congregation had more need that it could take care of (2 Corinthians 8:12-14). To solicit funds from other congregations, when the congregation professing "need" has plenty of money for other projects, would be a violation of Scripture.

  1. The Eldership of a local congregation is authorized to shepherd that congregation (1 Peter 5:2). It is quite a stretch to have this same eldership shepherding an organization in addition to the local congregation, an organization that may contain many non-Christians.

  1. Many orphan homes actually hinder the Christian from fulfilling James 1:27, in that they hinder such orphans from being adopted into real homes. It is sad that such an issue split many congregations, when the "need" could have been completely cared for in a Scriptural manner. With all the couples wanting to adopt children, such a institution finds itself actually hindering God's purposes.

7. Arguing that James 1:27 authorizes the local congregation to build and establish or contribute to a human agency established by "brethren", would mean that the local congregation is also authorized to build a Missionary Society (Matthew 28:19); hospitals, clothing and grocery stores, and so on (Matthew 25:36).