Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. - 1: 21
lay apart - apotithemi - to put away
filthiness - rhuparia - dirtiness
superfluity - perisseia - superabundance
naughtiness - badness, depravity, malignity, or trouble
meekness - mildness; humility
engrafted - emphutos - implanted
James calls those who are believers in Christ to put away the sins and temptations that allure them. The word has already been engrafted (past tense) into their hearts. He is, in the present tense, further calling them to receive with meekness the truth of the implanted word.
Why? Because the engrafted word has the power to save their souls. If believers do not allow the word of God to continually grow within their hearts, then their souls will not be saved.
The Parable of the Sower exemplifies this:
Matthew 13: 3-9 & 18-23
Luke 8: 5-15
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