"James" – The author is probably "James the Less" (AKA, James the Son of Alphaeus mentioned in Mark 15:40) or James, the half-brother of the Lord Jesus, elder in the church in Jerusalem (see Acts 15:13, also Galatians 1:19). This was not the Apostle James (one of the twelve). The Apostle James was put to death by Herod Agrippa about 41 A.D., too early to allow his authorship of this book. The author of this epistle, then, not one of the original apostles, would have received his gift of prophecy to write an inspired letter by the laying on of the Apostles’ hands. (See Acts 8:18)

"bond servant" – Greek: doulos – "one that is in a permanent relationship of servitude to another." This was a common unassuming term used by writers of the New Testament to refer to themselves. Modern Christians would do well to note this: The authors of the scriptures they follow considered themselves to be servants, not masters. See Mark 10:35-45 for a full discussion of this issue.

"of God and the Lord Jesus Christ" – James would miss no opportunity to emphasize the equality of Jesus to God when speaking to his Jewish audience.

"to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad" – See intro notes. Cf. 1 Peter 1:1 where Peter used the same words. It is clear that this is a general epistle intended to be read and used in a general way. Thus, it applies to all Christians.

"greetings" – In his characteristic way (terse, no nonsense) James greets and gets right to the point in the next verse.

"Consider" – KJV, ASV: "Count it," i.e., "think of it as" - Often it is our chosen perception of a matter that shapes our attitude. Here we have an admonition to control our perception.

"joy" – Greek: chara – cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight – Strong. A very common New Testament word. This is not "happiness," a word dependent upon chance. (Note the prefix "hap") It is joy that can exist in difficult circumstances because it is focused on things that go beyond the troubles of the moment. See Hebrews 12:1-2.

"various" – KJV: "diverse"; NIV: "of many kinds." This is a general approach to trials that covers all kinds. We should read it that way.

"trials" – KJV: "temptations" – Greek: peirasmos- Used generally of a trial or a putting to proof. Used specifically of a trial of a man’s fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy. (Thayer) Used here and in verse 12 of outward trials. Verb form is used in verse 13 of inward temptations. (Cf. Matthew 4:1 where it is used of Jesus’ temptation by the devil.)

"knowing" – It is the knowledge of what is taught in these verses that leads to the attitude of joy in trials. Knowledge makes all the difference in the world! Ignorance does also, but seldom for good. Greek: gnosko.

"testing" – Greek: dokimion – a testing; by implication, trustworthiness – Strong.

"produces" – Greek: katergazomai – "to do work fully; accomplish."

"endurance" – KJV: "patience." Greek: hupomone – endurance, constancy. RSV: steadfastness. NEB: fortitude. Vine: hupo - under + meno – to abide. We often pray for patience and God sends trials. Why? Because this is how endurance/patience is produced. Endurance is the product of persevering under trial. We are not born with it and it is not bestowed on us at the new birth. (Note: the word for "patience" in Galatians 5:22 is a different word, i.e., macrothumia – longsuffering.)

"endurance" – same word as above.

"perfect" – Greek: telios – complete, mature. Used two times in this verse.

"and complete" – Greek: holokleros - complete in every part – Strong. KJV: entire, whole.

"lacking in nothing" – TCNT: in no respect deficient.

Comment: Here we are shown that patience (endurance) results in completeness and maturity. Thus, the road to maturity begins with trials and ends with patience!

"But if anyone lacks" – Who doesn’t? (!)

"wisdom" – Greek: sophia – wisdom – "insight into the true nature of things" (Lightfoot as quoted in Vine, p. 221.) This is, in context, wisdom in trials (see v. 12) though such wisdom would certainly spill over into (and is needed in) other endeavors. Wisdom is more than knowledge. Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge, that is, to perceive how to act or what to do under different circumstances. Knowledge is the raw material. Wisdom comes both from God and from experience, though not all gain it, even with experience.

"let him ask God" – Thus, invoking God’s blessing and increase upon our efforts. We are tested. When we endure we gain the experience necessary to produce wisdom. We also ask God, who helps us put the experience together with the truth of His word. Thus, growth of wisdom is a partnership of cooperation between an obedient, active Christian and a willing, responsive God (assuming, of course, that we who are Christians, ask).

"without reproach" – Greek for "reproach": oneidzo – to defame, rail, chide, taunt – Strong. God doesn’t chide us in our trials. He is anxious to grant us wisdom and does not reproach our need for it or our asking for it, even if we might think it foolish. We need not fear asking.

"generously" – bountifully, liberally. God never leaves us alone without help in our trials. Note the promise:

"it will be given to him." A promise.

"ask in faith" – Greek word for "faith" here is pistis. It is the most common word for faith in the Bible. Here it has the connotation of believing, trusting, being certain that God will grant what He promises.

"without any doubting" – One must have faith and trust that God hears and answers our requests.

"like the surf" – A picture the coastal dweller of Palestine would recognize. A common reaction to trials is to doubt God’s presence and involvement. Here we see that such doubting is an enemy that should be cast out if we desire to obtain the wisdom we need. The surf rolling in and out suggests an on-again, off-again faith.

"that man" – The man who has doubts – also described below as a double-minded and unstable man.

"double minded man" – Greek: dipsuchos – dip – two, twice + psuche"- spirit or soul. Thus, double spirited our double minded. Like the surf, such a man is pulled back and forth. He cannot make up his mind. He’s in. Then he’s out. He’s on. Then he’s off. He needs to proclaim his trust in God and dig in!

"all his ways" – A man who is tossed back and forth in doubt will be unstable in every walk of life, not just in trials. Instability in life can be an indication of doubt. A solid, mature, well-understood faith is the best defense against instability in life.

"brother of humble circumstances" – There were far more poor people in the early church than rich. Many were poor when they came to Christ. Some became poor because they made themselves that way for the sake of the kingdom, leaving houses, lands, and position to become identified with the Christians. This was the example of Christ. See 2 Corinthians 8:9: "…though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich."

"glory in his high position" – NIV: "take pride in his high position." While the Christian brother of humble means might not be able to take much pride in his wealth, he has great opportunity to be rich toward God. The rich man in the story of the "rich fool" was lacking this: "So is the man who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." Luke 12:21

"and let the rich man glory in his humiliation" – There were a few rich in the early church. (As an aside, the rich were not told to redistribute their wealth so that all were the same. They were instead told to use their riches for the furthering of the gospel. See 1 Timothy 6:18.) The rich man was "humiliated" because he did not pursue the same goals as his well-to-do peers and he associated with a class of people who were mostly poor. I have known rich people who refuse to be identified with Christian brethren who are poor lest they be thought less of by their peers. They should instead "glory in their humiliation" (KJV: "low estate"; NIV: "low position") knowing that they are counted among God’s people. See 1 Timothy 6:17-19 for more instructions to those who are rich in this world’s goods.

"because like flowering grass he will pass away." - The position of any rich person is temporary. "Flowering grass" has an extremely brief duration, much less so than other flowering plants. When the rich man passes away the only thing that will remain is what he/she did for the Lord.

What a vivid picture! The flowering grass in its splendor in the early morning is cut down by the rising sun and hot winds coming off the desert. So the rich man withers "in the midst of his pursuits."

"Blessed" – Greek: makarios. The same word Jesus used in the beatitudes.

"perseveres" - Greek: hupoleipo - "to stay under, to remain" – Strong. Here it means that he is not removed by trials.

"under trial" – Same word as "trials" in verse 2. Thus James is continuing in the same context.

"approved" – Greek dokimos – accepted after assayal, that is, after examination and determination. The word was used in the proving of metals by fire. Relates to the practice of smelting out impurities from precious metals. See 1 Peter 1:6-7: "In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ…."

"crown" – Greek: stephanos – victor’s wreath. The word for king’s crown is diadema.

"promised to those who love Him." – Notice that persevering in trials is related to loving Christ.

James now shifts his subject from outward to inward trials (temptations). The word "tempt" in verse 13 is the verb form (pierazo) of the same word used in verses 2 and 12.

"Let no one say" – Apparently some misunderstood who was responsible for these inward trials.

"God cannot be tempted by evil" – Such as the evil of tempting another to sin.

"He himself does not tempt anyone" – Satan is the tempter. See Matthew 4:3.

It is one’s own lust that is responsible for temptation. God cannot be blamed.

"carried away" – Greek: to drag forth – Strong. KJV: drawn away.

"enticed" – Greek: deleazo – primarily to lure by bait – Vine. Taken from the language of fishing. Satan, the tempter, lures his victim as a fisherman lures his quarry. Once hooked the fish is drawn away from the safety of his lair. The fish has a desire for the bait. This is what is exploited. Satan has a "tackle box" (so to speak) full of temptations and tricks.

James now shifts from the language of fishing to the language of reproduction.

"lust" – epithumia - strong desire. Use both positively and negatively in Scripture. See Luke 22:15 where the corresponding verb is used positively. Luke 22:15: "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer."

"conceived" – Greek: gullambano – Used in Luke 1:24, 31, 36 of a woman conceiving a child.

"it gives birth" – More of the language of reproduction. Greek: apakueo – to breed forth, to generate" - Strong.

"sin" - Greek: hamatia. KJV: an offense.

"accomplished" – Finished. NIV: "full grown."

"brings forth" – Greek: tikto – to produce (from seed, as a mother, a plant, the earth, etc.) – Strong. Again, the language of reproduction.

Thus we have the "life cycle" of sin. Temptation and lust come together and conceive a child, sin. Sin grows up and ultimately produces an offspring, death.

Note the following truths:

a. Temptation is not sin. Temptation produces sin. Jesus was tempted. But He never sinned.

b. Strong desire is not, in itself, sin. It can produce sin but it is not sin.

c. Sin is the conceived result of the union of temptation and strong desire.

d. Sin, unless somehow stopped, ultimately brings death. There at two places to stop this. We can stop the original conception. In that case sin is never born. Or we (Christians) can stop the progress of sin by confession and repentance.

"Do not be deceived" – This probably refers back to verse 13 where a person might be thinking that God is the source of temptation. Verse 17 seems to verify this. The idea could be expressed this way: "Don’t be deceived. God doesn’t tempt or entice anyone. God provides good gifts to His children." The lesson is that God isn’t out to get us. He does want to see if we really wish to live with Him forever but He does not set us up for failure. Sadly, our own lusts do this very efficiently. Blaming God for temptation is an error that could trip us up because we don’t take responsibility for our own actions.

"Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above" – Far from being the source of temptation, God is the source of the many good things we receive and enjoy.

"from above" – Greek: anothen – same word as is translated "again" in John 3:2 ("You must be born again," i.e., "from above."

"Father of lights" – Since James’ readers are mindful of the fact that gifts come "from above," perhaps this is a reference to the heavenly bodies (stars, etc.) of which God is the Father or Creator.

"no variation" – Greek: paralege – denotes, in general, "a change" (English. "parallax," the difference between the directions of a body as seen from two different points) "a transmission" from one condition to another. – Vine. Message to us: God doesn’t change or shift on us! He’s not one way one day and another way the next.

"or shifting shadow" – The result of the changing position of the "lights" (sun, moon, stars) causes things to continually change in appearance, seen most clearly in watching shadows. God isn’t like that. We can count on his unchanging nature. This could be a very comforting thought among people uprooted by trials as James’ first century readers were.

"In the exercise of His will" – God chose to give us the new birth and bring us into new life. It wasn’t thrust upon Him.

"He brought us forth" – Greek: apokueo – the same word as in verse 15 ("gives birth to"). In great contrast to the offspring of the uniting of lust and temptation (which is of the devil) God conceived us and gave us new birth by the word of truth. The imagery of conception, birth, death, etc. are strong in this passage and merit close attention by the careful student of the Bible.

"first fruits" – An allusion to the sheaf of the first fruits of harvest offered to God at the Pentecost celebration. This terminology points to the probability of James writing to primarily Jewish readers. Under the Law of Moses the "first fruits" were sacred to the Lord. This may imply that we are special, that is, God’s special possession, brought forth by the exercise of His will.

"This you know" – Perhaps a paraphrase would be, "These things I have just said, that is, that God brought you forth by His own choice to be the choicest of His first fruits, you already know."

"but" – James now introduces a caution. Because these people were under the trial of unfair persecution, the natural human response would be anger. "It’s not fair!" would seem to be a suitable response. Yet the kind of anger James is about to mention wreaks havoc with a person’s perception of the truth.

"quick to hear" – It is always best to maintain a sense of willingness to hear God’s truth, but especially when we are agitated.

"slow to speak" – Two possible dangers are seen in letting our mouths express the turmoil in our hearts. First, we may say something that will hurt ourselves and/or others and thus put us in jeopardy. Second, there is a deterrent for hearing when we are always speaking. Since truth is critical, especially in times of trial, we ought to shut up and listen.

"slow to anger" – Greek: orge´ – Translated by the KJV as "wrath." There are two common words in the Bible that describe anger. The first is thumos, which suggests a hot outburst or a flash temper. This is not the word James used here. The second is orge´, which suggests a more settled or abiding condition of the mind, expressed adequately perhaps in the phrase "slow burn" or "seething anger." This latter, slower, more deeply abiding anger often leads to bitterness and revenge. It also clouds the mind so that it is harder to see the truth. The phrase "bitter-blind" comes to mind. Orge´ is less sudden in its rise than thumos, but more lasting in nature.

"anger of man" – Same word, orge´ that is under discussion. "Men will not and cannot properly listen to God when they entertain bitterness, malice, and hatred in their hearts toward their fellows." – Guy N. Woods.

"does not achieve the righteousness of God." – "One who is a battleground of violent passion finds it impossible to conform to this standard of right; and the conflict that rages in such a person makes it far more difficult for those about him to serve God acceptably." – Guy N. Woods. Get a grip on your gripes and you’ll find you’ll have a better grip on the Word!

"Therefore" – For the reasons just given, i.e., that an unbridled inner spirit prevents achieving God’s righteousness….

"putting aside" – NIV, "get rid of."

"all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness" – Both the specific sin of seething anger (orge´) in verse 19 and the more general sin that brings death mentioned back in verse 15. The Greek word for "filthiness" is riparian, from rupos, that which is soiled and dirty. In classical Greek, when used in a medical context, had reference to wax in the ear. Thus it is possible that James is using a play on words to help his readers picture the effect of sin on the ability to hear God’s truth. The effect of sins buildup is the same as the effect of the buildup of wax in the ears. Jesus’ words in Matthew 13:15 in the KJV come to mind: "For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them." We see from these things that it is our duty to keep our spiritual ears clear so that we can "hear" clearly the truth of God. It is not only study of God’s word that helps us learn what He wants us to know. It is also keeping ourselves receptive so that we can "hear."

"in humility receive the word implanted" – Greek for "humility": proutes, strength under control; Often used in the first century to describe the attitude of an animal that had been tamed. Arrogance, the opposite of humility, prevents a person from receiving the word in such a way that it can be "implanted." Humility, which comes from an accurate assessment of self (a clear understanding of what we are and what we are not) is where we should be living if we wish to have the word of God implanted and growing in us.

Note: In the third chapter (3:1-2) James brings up the issue of teachers. It has been the observation of the author of this study that arrogant church teachers and leaders (those who believe they are far above others because of their skills and abilities) often have huge blind spots in their assessment of themselves. According to James here, this may be because their lack of humility prevents the "implantation" of the word in their lives in a way that it can grow. They become, as James is about to say in verse 22, "hearers who delude themselves." Humility is a strict requirement of those who teach! Arrogance will hamper or completely destroy the ability of a teacher to advance the cause of Christ. The attitude of John the Baptist in John 3:30 ought to be the attitude of every teacher of the word of God: "He must increase, but I must decrease."

"doers of the word" – Those who take the instruction of the word completely through to the level of practice.

"hearers who delude themselves" – This describes a person who thinks he/she is doing well for God because he positions himself to hear God’s word. But such a person quits too soon. He doesn’t apply the word and thus, is under a delusion.

"For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer" – Here James illustrates the futility and fruitlessness of the hearing but not doing delusion.

"natural face" – Literally, "the face of his birth."

"mirror" – Their mirrors were not made of glass. They were made of polished metal and were inferior to ours. One had to carefully study the image reflected to get a true assessment of appearance.

"looks" – Greek: katanoeo – "to fix the mind definitely on, to regard attentively, to take careful note of." This word describes more than a careless glance. It is an intense look. Thus, (and this is very important to note) the problem of forgetfulness is not due to the intensity of the look – or the lack thereof. It is the failure to follow through in doing.

"looked at himself" – Greek aorist tense. The "look" is over and done.

"immediately forgotten" – This isn’t the slow fading of the image in the mind that all of us are prone to when we neglect to regularly refresh our mental image of ourselves. What James refers to happens immediately, indicating that the recollection is snatched away promptly. Probably all of us have experienced driving in a car through an area with our eyes fully open and on the road, but when we think back we don’t remember "seeing" anything along the way. Why? Often it is because the real focus of our minds is somewhere else – and we have nothing to do along the way that requires our attention. Conversely, perhaps we have also experienced carefully searching for a location or address where we have to focus on each street sign and number in order to find our destination. These images don’t quickly fade.

Note: How many times do intent listeners to the word in sermons shake the preacher’s hand and voice their enjoyment of his sermon (and perhaps even mean it!) but then set the lesson aside and walk out the door unaffected? Being a connoisseur of great (or not so great!) preaching and a doer of the word are different things altogether!

"looks intently" – Greek: parakupto – to bend beside, i.e., lean over (so as to peer within) – Strong. A much stronger word than "looks" in verse 23. This word is used in John 20:5&11 to describe the actions of Peter and Mary as they stooped to peer into the empty tomb of Christ on the morning of the resurrection. It implies a vital and abiding interest on the part of the viewer. It also implies that there is something vitally important to see.

Note: From a preacher’s standpoint, mere entertainment (and the desire for such) in preaching the word of God is insufficient to merit such intensity of looking. Most of us forget the jokes we laughed at yesterday. There must be, on the part of the looker, an intense desire to see and apply – and on the part of the preacher, to value and regard the word of God for what it really is. See 1 Thessalonians 2:13: "And for this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received from us the word of God's message, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe."

"the perfect law, the law of liberty" – Most likely a reference to the New Testament revelation. Why the law of liberty? Isn’t law the antithesis of liberty? Here is a possible explanation: Law restrains. It holds disobedient people back from doing evil. Responsible people who willingly restrain themselves need fewer laws to govern them. They are more at liberty. Example: A grown child who accepts the responsibility to get enough sleep is at liberty from his parents enforced bedtime because he puts himself to bed at a decent hour.

"blessed in what he does." – Note the word "does." He will be blessed to the extent that he is a doer who does.

Note that James now, in verse 26, gives an example of an "effectual doer."

"religious" – Greek: threskos – "designated piety as manifested outwardly," thus it means outward devotion. The idea is that anyone who makes a great show of outward devotion before others, but does not keep his/her tongue in check, has a worthless religion. Such outwardly religious people talk a good talk but they walk a lousy walk. They are the "deluded hearers" James refers to.

"pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father" – The only kind of religion that means anything in the long run is the religion that God sees. Man can be tricked into admiring us because of our play acting. God is not impressed with this outward show.

"visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." – Two outward examples of the kind of "doers" who are blessed. One who possesses true religion will be rich in good works (Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Timothy 2:10; 5:10; 6:18 and other passages) and will shy away from those things which stain one’s holiness. Application: Can we list items that we have done recently that would qualify as "good works"? What are some things that are "good works?" Also, what of this keeping oneself unstained by the world. Are we concerned with what we watch on TV or at the movies or in the novels? Does our language reflect the vile expressions that we pick up from the world? Do these things matter? James says "Yes!"

Dave Redick is Minister of the Hwy 20 Church of Christ in Sweet Home, Oregon and Editor of The Preacher's Study. He may be reached at pstudysupport@comcast.net.

Copyright © 1996-2008 by The Preacher's Study. Permission is granted to subscribers to use this document in total or in sermon preparation in the context of the local congregation only. Publishing it in a book, on the Internet, or anyplace beyond the local congregation is prohibited.

All Scripture quotations and references are from the New American Standard Version unless otherwise stated.

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