James

The epistle may not be a true piece of correspondence between specific parties, but rather an example of wisdom literature formulated as a letter for circulation. The work is considered New Testament wisdom literature because, like Proverbs and Sirach, it consists largely of moral exhortations and precepts of a traditional and eclectic nature.

1

James, a bondservant of Christ, to the twelve scattered tribes. Count it a joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. Ask wisdom of the Lord if you lack it, but ask in faith, for he who doubts is like a wave tossed by the wind. The rich man will fade away like a flower in the field, or as grass withered by the sun. He who endures the crown of temptation will receive the crown of life. Temptation is brought about not by God, but by our own desires, which lead to sin, and then to death. Every good and perfect gift is from above, from the Father of lights. Stand firm against unrighteous anger. Lay aside all filthiness, and receive with meekness the implanted word. Be a doer, and not just a hearer – he who merely hears is like a man who looks at himself in the mirror then walks away and forgets what he looks like. The truly religious will visit widows and orphans in their trouble.


2

Do not discriminate, showing preference to a rich man over a poor one. God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith and heirs to the kingdom. Love your neighbor as yourself. Whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. Judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Faith is dead faith if not accompanied by practical assistance – eg providing for a naked or destitute brother or sister. Living faith cannot be separated from works – even demons believe! Faith without works is dead, like the body without the spirit. By works faith is made perfect, for example, by Abraham working to sacrifice Isaac, and by Rahab working with Joshua’s spies.


3

Teachers are more accountable than those who are not. Though only a single organ, the tongue has huge power for good or for evil. An analogy is that a mere rudder can turn a whole ship one way or the other. The tongue can be difficult to tame, and full of poison. The tongue has a contradictory character, both cursing and blessing. This ought not to be – no spring yields both salt water and fresh. Wisdom shows us how to do good works. Merely earthly wisdom is bitter, envious and self-seeking. Heavenly wisdom is peaceable, gentle, merciful, and without discrimination or hypocrisy.


4

Strife within the Christian community arise from covetousness, lust and murder, dominated by their desire for pleasure, and praying amiss. Friendship with the world is enmity with God. Humble yourself and repent, and you will be cleansed. Who are you to judge each other? Your life is a vapour that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Do not act as if you are independent of God’s will. Do not boast. He sins who knows what good is, and does not do it.


5

Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted and corroded. You have withheld the wages of labourers, lived in pleasure and luxury, and murdered the just. Brethren, be patient until the coming of the Lord, as the farmer is patient for the fruit of the earth. Do not grumble against each other. Behold, the judge is standing at the door! Follow Job in patient endurance. Do not swear by heaven or earth – let your yes be yes and your no be no. The suffering should pray, the joyous sing psalms, the sick be prayed for and anointed. The prayer of faith will save the sick. Elijah prayed for no rain, and there was a drought for three and a half years. He who helps a sinning brother will save a soul from death.