The man who wrote the epistle of James has been assumed to be various historical figures, yet modern researchers have come to agreement that the author of this book is likely the same James who became the first Bishop of Jerusalem. He is said by some to have been the brother of Jesus. Interestingly enough, James was thought to have been an unbeliever before the crucifixion. Later in 1 Corinthians 15:7 as well as in some references in documents still extant from the early church we find that Christ (after he had risen) appeared to James and there was a conversion. Soon James became a force in the Jewish branch of the church. He was notable for supporting Paul in his efforts to convert the Gentiles. It is known that James was martyred sometime between 62 and 66 A.D. It is likely he was stoned to death much in the manner of Stephen because of the political machinations of some local authorities and because he vigorously preached the law of Christ.

The text in the Book of James comes down to us in a bullet format as if it were the distillation of a lifetime of thoughtful sermons. The subject matter is universal and timely for it is made up of some of the highest concerns of the earliest Christians. However, the book seldom mentions Christ and does not refer to the resurrection. In fact, Martin Luther said that the book was "full of straw" because it contained little or nothing that was evangelical. Nevertheless, the book is loaded with good advice about how to live a good and Christian life.

A person who closely follows James's imperatives cannot go wrong. Although James does not teach us how to come nearer the lord through salvation, he does tell us how a just man orders his daily existence. James, throughout his life, was known as James the Just, because of the correctness of his actions, the uprightness of his demeanor and the strength of his character. His book will help us to be like him...Just.

Chapter 1 of the Book of James

As you read the first chapter of James keep the following questions in mind. You may even wish to write the questions down on a separate piece of paper before you begin. Allow yourself several lines between each question. When you have finished reading the chapter devote several minutes to your answers. Click on a question to get our interpretation.

2. Why is faith important?

3. From where does temptation come?

4. James cautions us to be "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath". Why are these good qualities in a Christian?

5. "Be doers of the word, not hearers only," says James. Are good acts important for Christians? Or are we justified by "our faith alone"?

James Chapter 1

^1:1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are in the Dispersion: Greetings. ^1:2Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, ^1:3knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ^1:4Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. ^1:5But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him. ^1:6But let him ask in faith, without any doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed. ^1:7For let that man not think that he will receive anything from the Lord. ^1:8He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

^1:9But let the brother in humble circumstances glory in his high position; ^1:10and the rich, in that he is made humble, because like the flower in the grass, he will pass away. ^1:11For the sun arises with the scorching wind, and withers the grass, and the flower in it falls, and the beauty of its appearance perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in his pursuits.

^1:12Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him. ^1:13Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God," for God can't be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. ^1:14But each one is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. ^1:15Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin; and the sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death. ^1:16Don't be deceived, my beloved brothers. ^1:17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow. ^1:18Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

^1:19So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; ^1:20for the anger of man doesn't produce the righteousness of God. ^1:21Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. ^1:22But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. ^1:23For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man beholding his natural face in a mirror; ^1:24for he sees himself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. ^1:25But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of freedom, and continues, not being a hearer who forgets but a doer of the work, this man will be blessed in what he does.

^1:26If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious while he doesn't bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this man's religion is worthless. ^1:27Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

Answer to Question 1

Why does James tell us that we should "count it a joy" to be tempted?

James opens his "letter" with a salutation, or greeting. First he tells who the letter is from, James, "the Slave of God and the Lord Jesus Christ". The early church fathers often refer to themselves as the slaves of God because this showed their absolute devotion to God and his word.

It is addressed to the "twelve tribes who are scattered throughout the world." The early church thought of itself as the next step in Judaism. The Jewish Messiah had come. Thus their "people" were co-extensive with the Jewish people. This was primarilly in the days before Paul began to evangelize the Gentiles. Thus we have James addressing the "twelve tribes". Even so, the number 12 is also the number of apostles - it is thought that James might also be addressing the believers converted by the work of these men.

The fact that the Jews were spread over the civilized world is important to note because the diaspora aided in the spread of Christianity. The Synagogue was the first place a Christian Preacher went went teaching the Gospel in a new town.

In verse 2 James tells us to count it a joy to be tested. He understands that we are put through many trials, calamities and temptations (in the case of young people this might even include peer pressure). Sometimes these trials are because of our religion, and sometimes they come simply because we are alive. James knows that by facing these problems with courage we become stronger in our faith. Epictetus, a Roman Stoic Philosopher and favorite of Christian theologians, equated such testing with an Olympic wrestler who chooses tough opponents in his practice matches because they make him stronger than weak opponents do. This is why we should be happy to meet trials, because they will, in the end, make us better people, able to wrestle with the problems of life and salvation.

Answer to Question 2

Why is faith important?

It is important to be steadfast in faith because the resulting strength received will not only help you in your trials, it will surely lead you to happily receive your just reward.

When studying the bible a person should look at each verse on three levels: first, look at the literal meaning; second, think on how the words apply to society at large as a general principle; and third, reflect its meaning on your own life as an individual. This passage, as much of the Epistle of James, reflects most radiantly on the conduct of each person. James understood that if every individual works to be the best person he can be that all of society will naturally be improved.

Answer to Question 3

From where does temptation come?

There is no question for James as to where temptation comes from. He states unequivically, "Let no man say 'My temptation comes from God" (verse 13). Temptation comes from within every man. Man has many facets, there is the mind, the body and the soul. Each one plays its part in his daily life. The body is demanding, always crying out to have its basic needs fulfilled. The soul is always exhorting, encouraging the better angels of our natures. The mind sets in between and makes the decisions. The body, soul and mind are not always incompatible, but many times they are. Desire to eat moderately, or to help our fellow man are good desires. Yet covetousness, lust, hatred, jelousy and other sins can lead us astray. It is important to understand from where temptation comes, and it is even more important to recognize it when it appears. Thus the mind may make decisions to the benefit of the whole being. For sin inevitably leads to the corruption of all of the being - body, mind AND soul. James points out in verse 15 that "when sin reaches its full development it spawns death."

In verse 18 we see that it is good which comes from God

Answer to Question 4

James cautions us to be "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath". Why are these good qualities in a Christian?

James says in verse 20, "Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." Even our own folk sayings reflect the wisdom of James. It is often said that "A person learns very little when his mouth is moving." Indeed, this is true. We must be careful to hear all the facts of a matter before we speak on it. Oliver Cromwell, once the Protector of England, was noted for his rigid self-control in speaking in Parliament. He always waited until everyone else had had their say and then he made his pronouncement. He was thought a very wise man. This also applies in our daily life when making decisions regarding our moral actions. Listen to all the facts, do not be hasty, do not speak out of turn. Most of all, be slow to anger, for anger clouds the mind, and as James points out, "does not produce the righteousness which God desires."

Answer to Question 5

"Be doers of the word, not hearers only," says James. Are good acts important for Christians? Or are we justified by "our faith alone"?

In verses 22-24, James tells us to "Prove yourselves to be doers of the word, and not only hearers." James's statement is not at all at odds with Paul's admonition that we are justified "on faith alone". Works are, indeed, important. Although it is faith in the Lord that will save the soul, it is works which will buttress that faith. It is the doer of good deeds who reflects his faith to others. In the previous paragraph, James tells us to be "quick to hear and slow to speak". But he also knows that to be a Christian is not merely to stay in an Ivory Tower and listen to the word of the Lord. It is, after much heartfelt contemplation, to be "doers of the word".

Chapter 2 of the Book of James

As you read this chapter of James keep the following questions in mind. You may even wish to write the questions down on a separate piece of paper before you begin. Allow yourself several lines between each question. When you have finished reading the chapter devote several minutes to your answers. Click on a question to get our interpretation.

2. James talks about transgressing the law. Why is it important to obey the laws sent down by God?

3. James says "faith, if it has not works, is dead". What does he mean by this?

James Chapter 2

^2:1My brothers, don't hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory with partiality. ^2:2For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your assembly, and a poor man in filthy clothing also comes in; ^2:3and you pay special attention to him who wears the fine clothing, and say, "Sit here in a good place;" and you tell the poor man, "Stand there," or "Sit by my footstool;" ^2:4haven't you shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? ^2:5Listen, my beloved brothers. Didn't God choose those who are poor in this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to those who love him? ^2:6But you have dishonored the poor man. Don't the rich oppress you, and personally drag you before the courts? ^2:7Don't they blaspheme the honorable name by which you are called? ^2:8However, if you fulfill the royal law, according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well. ^2:9But if you show partiality, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. ^2:10For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he has become guilty of all. ^2:11For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," said also, "Do not commit murder." Now if you do not commit adultery, but murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. ^2:12So speak, and so do, as men who are to be judged by a law of freedom. ^2:13For judgment is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

^2:14What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him? ^2:15And if a brother or sister is naked and in lack of daily food, ^2:16and one of you tells them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled;" and yet you didn't give them the things the body needs, what good is it? ^2:17Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself. ^2:18Yes, a man will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith.

^2:19You believe that God is one. You do well. The demons also believe, and shudder. ^2:20But do you want to know, vain man, that faith apart from works is dead? ^2:21Wasn't Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? ^2:22You see that faith worked with his works, and by works faith was perfected; ^2:23and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him as righteousness;" and he was called the friend of God. ^2:24You see then that by works, a man is justified, and not only by faith. ^2:25In like manner wasn't Rahab the prostitute also justified by works, in that she received the messengers, and sent them out another way? ^2:26For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.

Answer to Question 1

What does James have to say about the rich and the poor and how we treat them?

In the early church there was much worry about distinctions made between the rich and the poor. It may be hard for us now to understand the chasm that existed between the classes. For the wealthy and powerful were capable of much good and much evil. Now, in the United States and much of Europe, there has been an equalization of the social classes before the law. In churches throughout the world a rich man's soul is no more valued than that of a poor man.

Even so, James's makes the admonition, "You cannot really believe that you have faith in our glorious Lord, Jesus Christ, and yet continue to have respect of persons." By "respect of persons", he means "show favoritism". Indeed, Christ was never one to show favoritism. He often exalted the meek and the downtrodden. In a societal sense, we often do show favoritism, especially to the famous or notorious. These persons find themselves lauded to the skies or allowed to escape scrutiny for their crimes. For James and for us, Christianity is a religion for all men, and God shall surely judge us all equally no matter our station in life. And if we are to imitate Christ, we must make no more fuss over a celebrity than we would for a groundskeeper at the park.

In verse 8 James reminds us that Christ commanded us to love our neighbor as ourselves. This is an important notion. It commands us to love the person, not that persons wealth, power or celebrity.

Answer to Question 2

James talks about transgressing the law. Why is it important to obey the laws sent down by God?

In verse 10 James begins his thesis on the law: "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."

We know that there are 10 commandments. These were handed to Moses by the one and the same God who looks out for us. Thus we see His commandments as his will explicitly set out. There is no mistaking their content; and James reminds us that "the one who said 'Do not commit adultery,' also said, "Do not kill." The commandments then are His will. When we violate any one of them we are violating God's will. Thus, we must strive to be good in all things. We can take comfort in the fact that we have not murdered, not dishonored our mother and father, not stolen our neighbors goods. But if we have lied, or cheated, we have put a blemish on our soul. We have violated God's law.

In verse 12 we read about "The Law of Liberty". It is an interesting notion. It embodies the idea that we are not compelled to obey the law by outside forces. There is not a statute on the books that says we must not covet our neighbors wife. There is not a statute on the books that says we must not lie (except under oath). Rather we are impelled to do it by the divine spark within our soul that urges us to goodness and to forsake evil.

Answer to Question 3

James says "faith, if it has not works, is dead". What does he mean by this?

Here we must address some of the most controversial passages in the New Testament. James starts off, "My Brothers, what use is it if a man claims faith and has no deeds to show?" His logic is clear and unyielding. He goes on to say, "If a brother or sister has nothing to wear, and if they have not enough for their daily food, and you say to them, "Go in Peace. Be warm and be fed." and then do not give them the essentials for bodily existence, what use is that?" To clinch his argument he states, "So, if faith too has no deeds to show, by itself it is dead!"

It was for this passage that Martin Luther, when he was compiling and translating the Bible, nearly decided that James should not be included. So, is James correct? Is faith alone not enough to save our souls?

James points out in verse 19, "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." He is saying that even demons know there is a God, this does not save them from eternal damnation, for in spite of their knowledge they still are evil and commit evil actions.

We accept the Bible as Truth. Indeed, here James gives us the truth. For we can understand that any person who believes in Christ, any person who has accepted the Rule of God, must act, must be a doer of good deeds. His faith will compel him to do so. Just as our mind moves the limbs of our body, our faith moves us to do good.

Chapter 3 of the Book of James

As you read this chapter of James keep the following questions in mind. You may even wish to write the questions down on a separate piece of paper before you begin. Allow yourself several lines between each question. When you have finished reading the chapter devote several minutes to your answers. Click on a question to get our interpretation.

2. James makes some interesting observations about our tongues. Why do we need to control our tongues?

3. There is Earthly wisdom and there is Heavenly wisdom. How are they different or the same?

^3:1Let not many of you be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment. ^3:2For in many things we all stumble. If anyone doesn't stumble in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also. ^3:3Indeed, we put bits into the horses' mouths so that they may obey us, and we guide their whole body. ^3:4Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires. ^3:5So the tongue is also a little member, and boasts great things. See how a small fire can spread to a large forest! ^3:6And the tongue is a fire. The world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by Gehenna. ^3:7For every kind of animal, bird, creeping thing, and thing in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind. ^3:8But nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. ^3:9With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the image of God. ^3:10Out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. ^3:11Does a spring send out from the same opening fresh and bitter water? ^3:12Can a fig tree, my brothers, yield olives, or a vine figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh water.

^3:13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom. ^3:14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don't boast and don't lie against the truth. ^3:15This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. ^3:16For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed. ^3:17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. ^3:18Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Answer to Question 1

Why are teachers important, and why must they be careful?

James makes the admonition to teachers to be careful because he knows that a teacher can lead many astray. They were, and still are, very important to society in passing on not only knowledge, but traditions, beliefs, principles and morals. Indeed, teaching was taken so seriously in the ancient world that great respect was given teachers. Jesus was often called "Teacher" by his disciples. When the famous philosopher, Socrates, was sentenced to death in Athens, he had been charged with "corrupting the Athenian youth". The tribunal in his case felt he had failed as a teacher.

For this reason James warns the people not to be too anxious to become teachers as there is a heavy responsibility associated with the position. He also understands that teachers cannot tell their students to "do as I say, not as I do." For students will naturally wish to emulate their teacher. Because of this great responsibility and the example set, a person who becomes a teacher will be more heavily judged for his words and actions.

Answer to Question 2

James makes some interesting observations about our tongues. Why do we need to control our tongues?

The first two verses of the chapter dovetail nicely into James's next theme which concerns the tongue. Just as the teacher may lead society astray, so one little organ of the body may lead the individual astray. He abjures us to work hard to control our tongue. For its power over the rest of the body is as great as the power that the small rudder has over the course of an entire ship.

He points out "the tongue is a little member that boasts great things." We can all think of times that our words lead to difficulties, a misplaced jest, a "Fruedian Slip", a proclamation of love (or hatred), a commitment on a contract, a glib remark, an impossible promise, a dangerous dare. Such words have to power to make us do things that hurt ourselves or others. In verse 19 of chapter one, James has already cautioned us to be "swift to hear" and "slow to speak."

We can even recall the best of men being led astray by the work of their tongues. Peter, in Matthew (26:35), tells Jesus that he will never deny Him. Yet after the trial that led to His crucifixion and before the cock crowed, Peter found occasion to deny His Lord three separate times.

James goes further, in chapter 3, verse 8, "The tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." Here we are again reminded of the power of the tongue. No man may tame it, but it may be kept under control with the help of God. He does not want us to refrain from its use altogether, but to regulate it for our own good and the good of others.

Answer to Question 3

There is Earthly wisdom and there is Heavenly wisdom. How are they different or the same?

In verse 13, James talks about wisdom. He says that the wise man proves his worth through his deeds and his righteous living. Indeed, this is so. Nevertheless, he points out that there are two kinds of wisdom, earthly wisdom and Heavenly Wisdom. The contrast between them is stark. Earthly wisdom, James tells us, is "unspiritual and demonic".

What kind of wisdom is he talking about specifically? He is talking about the kind of insight that allows some to take advantage of others. There are those who will scheme and scam to have their way. They work hard to play on the heart strings or the naivete of the few to line their own pockets or to advance their power.

James continues: "Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is also disorder and every kind of evil." Yes, James is concerned with public and private order. Earthly wisdom can create chaos. While heavenly wisdom fosters order and happiness. He goes on to paint a picture of what heavenly wisdom is.

"The Wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and friendly. It is full of compassion and produces a host of good seeds." We see that heavenly wisdom is not merely good intentions (although that is part of it). It also results in good things. This does not mean that good intentions always have good results. No, the wise person directs good intentions to create good results. This can be done with Gods help.

Chapter 4 of the Book of James

As you read this chapter of James keep the following questions in mind. You may even wish to write the questions down on a separate piece of paper before you begin. Allow yourself several lines between each question. When you have finished reading the chapter devote several minutes to your answers. Click on a question to get our interpretation.

2. Why is faith important?

3. From where does temptation come?

^4:1Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Don't they come from your pleasures that war in your members? ^4:2You lust, and don't have. You kill, covet, and can't obtain. You fight and make war. You don't have, because you don't ask. ^4:3You ask, and don't receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it for your pleasures. ^4:4You adulterers and adulteresses, don't you know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. ^4:5Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who lives in us yearns jealously"? ^4:6But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." ^4:7Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ^4:8Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ^4:9Lament, mourn, and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to gloom. ^4:10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you.

^4:11Don't speak against one another, brothers. He who speaks against a brother and judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge. ^4:12Only one is the lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge another?

^4:13Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow let's go into this city, and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit." ^4:14Whereas you don't know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. ^4:15For you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that." ^4:16But now you glory in your boasting. All such boasting is evil. ^4:17To him therefore who knows to do good, and doesn't do it, to him it is sin.

Answer to Question 1

Where do fights and quarrels come from?

In Chapter 4, James puts on his psychologist's hat. First he poses the question, "Where do all the fights and quarrels...come from?" One would think, "If we only knew the answer to this question we could solve most of the world's problems."

Yet, James does answer this question for us. The world need only listen. "They come from your desires for pleasure, which are constantly fighting within you." James sees that war begins in the heart of every person. It is our selfish desires that create trouble. He says, "You want things, but you cannot have them, so you are ready to kill." Perhaps he has worded this strongly, but indeed, he is correct. When we covet or desire something too much, then we commit all manner of sins to attain it.

It is no sin to work hard to achieve the good. It is a sin to work to achieve evil. It is even a sin to allow yourself to envy the good fortune or the hard work of others. The ten commandments do not merely prohibit stealing and adultery, but explicitly state that "Thou shalt not COVET thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not COVET thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his ox nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor's." (Exodus 20:17)

Searching deep into the core of our minds, we can usually find the root of our disagreement with others is the result of our desire for something juxtaposed against that other person's desire for the same thing. Fights over money or possessions are often grievous, bitter and long-lasting.

Is it wrong to wrangle over such things? Yes and NO! James tells us in verse 2 that "You do not have what you want because you have not asked God for it." He goes on, "And when you ask, you do not receive it because your motives are bad." Make certain when you ask for God's help that your motives are pure. It is not wrong to fight for what is yours by right. Nevertheless, remember that worldly possessions are far less important than your relationships with your fellow human beings. James says, "To be the world's friend is to be God's enemy." (James 4:4)

In James 4:5, he sums up this idea with the quote from proverbs: "The spirit that God placed in us is filled with fierce desires, but the grace that God gives is even stronger." God made us vibrant and lively people. This is a blessing, but it sometimes creates conflicts both within ourselves and with others. The Grace of God will help us to overcome these desires.

Answer to Question 2

What does James have to say about judging others?

In verse 11 in some translations of the Bible, James warns us against judging our fellow man. Yet in other translations, his words ring out as, "Do not Slander". William Barclay, who translated the bible and wrote an entire series of Bible Studies, translates it as "talking harshly". Indeed, the original Greek would favor this meaning.

In various versions or translations most passages of the Bible are very similar and the variation in meaning from the original Greek is negligible. Yet, some passages, such as this controversial passage from James, require clarification and close study. What James is asking for here is that we should not wound our fellow man by speaking negatively of him. We should not inflict punishment upon him for crimes only supposed. He is speaking out against prejudice.

As Martin Luther King so wisely noted, we should judge men by the content of their character and not the color of their skin. There is even more in this notion. Throughout the epistle of James we find frequent references to the law. He is especially concerned that we do not put ourselves above the law. By speaking harshly, or slandering someone, by judging them without evidence, we place ourselves above the law. As noted in Chapter 3 God made the Law. If we place ourselves above the law, then we are placing ourselves above God. (A grave mistake to say the least.)

Answer to Question 3

Why does James tell us not to boast of our control over our own destinies?

In verses 13 through 17 James reminds us not to boast of our control over our own destinies. He warns us not to say that we shall journey to such-and-such a place tomorrow or that we shall do such-and-such a thing. He reminds us that every aspect of our lives depends upon God, and we should acknowledge that by saying that we shall do such a thing "if the Lord wills."

Folk sayings often reflect the wisdom of the Bible. It is still said in rural areas when travelling, "Good Lord willing and the creeks don't rise..." What a quaint way of remembering the awesome power of God.

James sums up Chapter of 4 by stating, "If a man knows what is good, and does not do it, this is sin." Throughout the Book of James, we have been advised as to what is right to do. James is telling us that to be good, we must be pro-active. That is we must act good as well as refrain from evil. He has given us much good advice. It is his fervent hope that we heed

Chapter 5 of the Book of James

As you read this chapter of James keep the following questions in mind. You may even wish to write the questions down on a separate piece of paper before you begin. Allow yourself several lines between each question. When you have finished reading the chapter devote several minutes to your answers. Click on a question to get our interpretation.

2. Why does James tell us to be patient?

3. Why should we not swear, by heaven?

4. What does James have to say about the power of prayer?

James Chapter 5

^5:1Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming on you. ^5:2Your riches are corrupted and your garments are moth-eaten. ^5:3Your gold and your silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be for a testimony against you, and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up your treasure in the last days. ^5:4Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you have kept back by fraud, cry out, and the cries of those who reaped have entered into the ears of the Lord of Hosts. ^5:5You have lived delicately on the earth, and taken your pleasure. You have nourished your hearts as in a day of slaughter. ^5:6You have condemned, you have murdered the righteous one. He doesn't resist you.

^5:7Be patient therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receives the early and late rain. ^5:8You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

^5:9Don't grumble, brothers, against one another, so that you won't be judged. Behold, the judge stands at the door. ^5:10Take, brothers, for an example of suffering and of patience, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. ^5:11Behold, we call them blessed who endured. You have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the Lord in the outcome, and how the Lord is full of compassion and mercy. ^5:12But above all things, my brothers, don't swear, neither by heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath; but let your "yes" be "yes," and your "no," "no;" so that you don't fall into hypocrisy.

^5:13Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praises. ^5:14Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, ^5:15and the prayer of faith will heal him who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. ^5:16Confess your offenses to one another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effective, earnest prayer of a righteous man is powerfully effective. ^5:17Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it didn't rain on the earth for three years and six months. ^5:18He prayed again, and the sky gave rain, and the earth brought forth its fruit.

^5:19Brothers, if any among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, ^5:20let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins.

Answer to Question 1

Why should the wealthy of the world worry?

James tells the wealthy of the world that they should "weep and wail" over the miseries that are coming to them (verse 1). Then he goes on to say that their riches have rotted away and their clothes have been eaten by moths and their gold and silver will be covered with rust.

The ravages of time turn everything to dust, eventually. Thus, it is fruitless to pile up great stores of wealth. James says, "This rust will be a witness against you and will eat up your flesh like fire." It is not the wealth itself then that is evil and that weighs down the soul, rather it is the squandering of wealth, its rotting away by non-use.

Perhaps James can be called the first economist. For he seemed to understand that unused wealth merely decays. Put to use it works to the benefit of all of society. He notes how many have not "paid wages to the men who work in their fields." Invested capital, wages paid, will end the "cries of those who gather in your crops." Like any other instrument or tool, it is how wealth is used that is important. James says, "You have made yourselves fat for the day of slaughter." In other words, do not be wasteful, slothful and squander your lives.

Invest and work for the good of others.

Answer to Question 2

Why does James tell us to be patient?

Next James preaches patience. Patience is perhaps the most difficult of virtues. Just imagine yourself standing in line at the supermarket. If there are three persons in front of you, then you frown and shake your head and mutter under your breath that the market should hire more cashiers. We live in a society that has become insatiable because it has been fed on the milk of instant gratification.

Then too, time is a factor. Every moment we are aware of our limited time on this planet. We do not want to waste our time on things that are unimportant. It has often been said that "time is money". In some ways it is "money". For it is our time and our efforts that we trade for the money that buys our food, shelter and entertainment. So our time should be invested prudently. And a prudent investor, like the farmer in James's example, must wait for the fruition of his plans, he must wait patiently.

What is the best investment we can make of our time? We must invest in our souls and the souls of others. For as James is well-aware "the day of the Lord's coming is near." Whether that day is a personal meeting with our creator or the end of the current age of man matters not.

Answer to Question 3

Why should we not swear, by heaven?

This brings us to James's admonishment in verse 12, "Above all, my brothers, do not use an oath when you make a promise." He tells us not to invoke the name of God with such sayings as, "I shall do such-and-such, by God." What he means by this is that we should not presume to know God's Will, or for that matter we should not presume impose our will upon God. This would be the height of arrogance. He ends verse 12 by saying that any man who makes such oaths will come under God's judgement.

Answer to Question 4

What does James have to say about the power of prayer?

The imagery throughout James's Epistle is vivid and stark. He sometimes cajoles, sometimes threatens, but he always exhorts us to refrain from what is evil and to act in right ways. He does not dwell much on the metaphysical, but concentrates on human action...until he achieves the final passages where he waxes eloquent on the power of prayer.

Verse 13: "Is anyone among you in trouble?" He should Pray. "Is anyone happy?" He should sing praises. This is a common feature in many church services and well it should be. The power of prayer is manifest in our daily lives. James tells us that the "Prayer of a good person has a powerful effect." We must pray, but not be selfish in our prayers. We must get closer to God by communication with him. For in the final analysis this is what prayer is all about. It is not an invoice to heaven to acquire material wealth; it is not a fawning, groveling missive to a great power. It is a communication with our creator that helps us to become better human beings.

And so James sums up his letter by reminding us "Whoever turns a sinner back from his wrong way will save that sinner's soul from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins." Thus we strive not only to make ourselves better, but also strive to make the world a better place, one person at a time.