James closes with clips of practical wisdom.
I think these wise sayings would have been gladly accepted among the churches.
God is present- not far away. He is intricately involved with his people.
Steadfast earnest walking with Jesus does not come easy.
Pray earnestly!
James ends hi book by emphasizing the powerful positive uses for words. That contrasts with the negative uses of the tongue from earlier in this book.
Lord Jesus, help my words be useful and not hurtful.
James urges people to get right with God to prepare for the return of Jesus.
James has shared some very blunt words, especially pointed toward the wealthy. I imagine this passage was more difficult to receive by the rich.
God is the righteous judge.
Wealth is a tricky tyrant.
Strengthen your heart!
God values endurance (v.11) and we should aspire to that long haul mentality in ministry. Do not give up.
Father, you alone are my strength.
God resits the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
This wisdom is practical but also personal.
God himself is in direct opposition to the proud.
Double-minded (v.8) is an accurate descriptor.
Draw close to God.
The idea of God being in purposeful (like everything God does) opposition to pride is jarring to our modern minds. But knowing the scriptures help. Pride is the original sin. Every other sin flows from pride. God is perfectly just in his opposition to the very thing that opposes him.
Father, help me choose humility…to choose you.
God’s wisdom is a great gift.
Pointing out the difference between godly wisdom and self-serving wisdom seems personal here.
God’s gifts are to be used for God’s purposes.
Eventually the fruit will reveal the root.
Seek godly wisdom.
Motives matter.
Father, I do ask for your wisdom, but I need your direction and leadership breath by breath to use it wisely.
Beware of the power of the tongue!
Wisdom like this is timeless and transcends cultures and time itself.
God care how we use this powerful tool he as lent us.
When we downplay the power of words we fool ourselves. We know better.
Watch what you say. And when you do speak, watch how you say it.
This conversation will find some common ground with just about everyone.
Father, thank you for your good gifts, like words! May I use them wisely to honor you.
Works accompany faith.
Since empty ceremonial religion was so common this likely struck a chord.
Belief is not merely an intellectual pursuit. God expects faith to transform a person.
People can be spiritually blind and religious at the same time.
Let faith move me to good works.
Faith (right believing) and works (right doing) should not be separated and compartmentalized, but many try.
Father, tune my faith to produce fruit for your glory.
James speaks out about favoritism in the church.
No doubt in my mind this was well received by average and poor people alike. I wonder how the wealthy people received it?
God is no respecter of social status.
People do judge in many different categories
Don’t judge people’s outward appearance.
Nobody should be pre-judged based on how little or much money they have. This is a great reminder regardless of which end of the economic spectrum you are in.
Father, help me see people with your eyes.
James shares pointed and practical insights about controlling the tongue.
This wisdom was likely well received by the early churches.
God is concerned with right doing and right thinking.
Segregating actions from belief is a false dichotomy.
Let my heart match my words and my words match my heart.
Verses 22-26 is an excellent illustration of the problem with separating belief from action.
Father, help my belief fuel obedience for your glory!
James shares wisdom about trials & temptations.
The early church needed this word. Trials and persecution were relentless.
God generously grants wisdom.
Our own evil desires are lured into action during the pressure of trials.
Stay vigilant. Pay attention so when trials come life is not derailed.
The explanation of how our own flesh is tempted in times of trials (v.13-15) is very helpful.
Father, thank your for your generous wisdom and every good gift you share.
