James was profoundly influenced by the sermon on the mount; it may be even viewed as a commentary on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.

James wants that all believers everywhere to examine their faith and make sure it's real.

Fallen men and women are basically natural liars. Putting "spin" on something is a form of subtle deception of twisting the truth. John 8:44 refers to the devil as the father of lies. As followers of Jesus, we are told by Him; "let you Yes be yes and your No be no, anything beyond is evil" Matthew 5:37. Our speech and keeping our word becomes another test of our living faith.

Pleasures(hedonism) connotes gratification of sensual, natural, and fleshly desires and when used in the New Testament is always used in negative ungodly sense. The sensual desire is inordinate, sinful, and uncontrolled.

The Hebrews of James' time knew and clearly understood that true wisdom was not intellectual, but behavioral. Thus, the biggest fool was one who knew the truth or had the knowledge but failed to apply it or exercise wisdom. James is telling us if you have wisdom and understanding let it be shown in your good life, your exemplary lifestyle.

Any declaration of faith in God that does not result in a changed life and good works is a false doctrine. James says, "even so faith, if it has no works is dead, being alone." Alone means by its self. True saving faith can never be by itself; it always brings life and life produces good works. Becoming a Christian means we don't only receive new life, we also reveal the new life.

Those who profess faith in Christ as the Lord of glory, must not respect persons on account of mere outward circumstances and appearances, in a manner not agreeing with their profession of being disciples of the lowly Jesus. St. James does not here encourage rudeness or disorder: civil respect must be paid; but never such as to influence the proceedings of Christians in disposing of the offices of the church of Christ, or in passing the censures of the church.

Saving faith is marked by a proper reaction to Scripture as the Word of god and by the believer's obedience to God's Word. We have to have a willingness to receive it with submission, purity, and humility. There needs to have a continual reception of God's Word. We are exhorted to be doers, not merely hearers thus delude ourselves; if we don't we are just pretenders.

How a Christian handles suffering will reveal whether his/her faith is living or dead, genuine or imitation, real or counterfeit, saving or non-saving. Sometimes the trouble we find is caused by our own poor decision we make. Sometimes our trouble is a consequence of sin that we have brought upon ourselves. Sometimes God allows trials to come to our lives to strengthen our faith and help us to grow spiritually.

James, the brother of our Lord Jesus seems to have written this letter or book.

One of the major problems in the church at that time was a failure of many to live what they professed to believe. The writer discussed an array of different problems and the bottom line is; the lack of spiritual maturity. This book is one of the most practical books in the Bible for day to day living.