We are so prone to arrogant speech—in judging one another and in speaking of our future plans. James reminds us that God is the Judge of our neighbour, and he is sovereign over the future. Such boasting is evil, and we do well to learn humility.

We must decide whether we will be friends with the world or friends with God. We cannot be both. God’s Spirit demands our affection and loyalty. If we will submit ourselves to God and draw near to him, he will draw near to us.

We must decide whether we will be friends with the world or friends with God. We cannot be both. God’s Spirit demands our affection and loyalty. If we will submit ourselves to God and draw near to him, he will draw near to us.

In a society of disorder and discord, we desperately need the wisdom that comes from above. God’s wisdom is pure and peaceable, and will lead to meek conduct, the fruit of godliness, and peace in relationships. James urges us not simply to pursue God’s wisdom, but to show it by our good conduct.

In a society of disorder and discord, we desperately need the wisdom that comes from above. God’s wisdom is pure and peaceable, and will lead to meek conduct, the fruit of godliness, and peace in relationships. James urges us not simply to pursue God’s wisdom, but to show it by our good conduct.

Although the human tongue is a small thing, it is immensely powerful. James highlights for us the power and the danger of the tongue, and he challenges us to exercise self-control. More than that, he urges us to consider the inconsistency of our speech: we can so easily use our tongue both to bless and to curse. And James challenges us that this ought not to be so.

Although the human tongue is a small thing, it is immensely powerful. James highlights for us the power and the danger of the tongue, and he challenges us to exercise self-control. More than that, he urges us to consider the inconsistency of our speech: we can so easily use our tongue both to bless and to curse. And James challenges us that this ought not to be so.

We might like to believe that we can have faith in Jesus but then ignore the call to obey Him, but James insists that true faith will lead to works of obedience. The works of obedience do not save, but saving faith will never be found in a life where there is no evidence of faith in works.

We might like to believe that we can have faith in Jesus but then ignore the call to obey Him, but James insists that true faith will lead to works of obedience. The works of obedience do not save, but saving faith will never be found in a life where there is no evidence of faith in works.

It is so easy to treat people with partiality, giving preference to the rich or influential. But God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith. We stand guilty as transgressors if we dishonour the poor—and we deny the gracious work of God in the gospel. This is a key area where we need to show that we are not only hearers of the Word but doers.