Bits of Torah Truths – Torah Concept in the NT: Lay Aside Wickedness – Episode 475
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James 1:21
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. (NASB)
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James 1:21
לָכֵן הָסִירוּ מֵעֲלֵיכֶם כָּל טִנּוּף וְרֹב רֶשַׁע, וְקַבְּלוּ בַּעֲנָוָה אֶת הַדָּבָר הַנָּטוּעַ אֲשֶׁר יָכוֹל לְהוֹשִׁיעַ אֶת נַפְשׁוֹתֵיכֶם.
The concept of “laying aside wickedness,” as seen in James 1:21, is indeed paralleled in several teachings throughout the Torah. The Torah frequently addresses the necessity of turning away from wickedness and embracing righteousness as part of maintaining a covenantal relationship with God. One notable parallel is in Deuteronomy 30:15–16, where Moses sets before Israel the choice between life and death, good and evil, urging the people to “choose life” by loving God, walking in His ways, and obeying His commandments. This passage emphasizes the active decision to reject evil and align oneself with God’s righteous path. The connection lies in the act of decisively setting aside wickedness to pursue life and blessings in obedience to God’s will. Another example is found in the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4–9, which calls for undivided devotion to God. This involves turning away from idolatry, sin, and distractions (wickedness) and committing fully to love and serve God. James’ exhortation to lay aside moral filth aligns with this call to wholehearted allegiance and purity in thought and deed. Leviticus 19:2 states, “Be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” The call to holiness implies actively rejecting anything that is unholy or wicked. This idea resonates with James’ instruction to rid oneself of wickedness as a necessary step toward spiritual growth. The Torah’s recurring themes of repentance, cleansing, and a call to live in covenantal holiness provide rich parallels to James’ exhortation. Both emphasize the transformative action of rejecting wickedness and aligning oneself with God’s truth, demonstrating the consistency of this principle throughout Scripture. This again is how the NT is teaching Torah, the Torah has not passed away!
