2 Consider it all joy , my brethren , when you encounter various [1]trials , 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces [2] endurance . 4 And let [3] endurance have its perfect [4]result , so that you may be [5] perfect and complete , lacking in nothing . 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom , let him ask of God , who gives to all generously and [6]without reproach , and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting , for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea , driven and tossed by the wind . 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord , 8 being a [7] double-minded man , unstable in all his ways . 9 But the [8]brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position ; 10 and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation , because like [9]flowering grass he will pass away . 11 For the sun rises with [10] a scorching wind and withers the grass ; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed ; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away .
12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial ; for once he has [11]been approved , he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
13 Let no one say when he is tempted , " I am being tempted [12]by God "; for God cannot be tempted [13]by evil , and He Himself does not tempt anyone . 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust . 15 Then when lust has conceived , it gives birth to sin ; and when sin [14]is accomplished , it brings forth death . 16 Do not be [15]deceived , my beloved brethren . 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above , coming down from the Father of lights , with whom there is no variation or [16]shifting shadow . 18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth , so that we would be [17]a kind of first fruits [18]among His creatures .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on James 1:2-18
Commentary on James 1:1-11
(Read James 1:1-11)
Christianity teaches men to be joyful under troubles: such exercises are sent from God's love; and trials in the way of duty will brighten our graces now, and our crown at last. Let us take care, in times of trial, that patience, and not passion, is set to work in us: whatever is said or done, let patience have the saying and doing of it. When the work of patience is complete, it will furnish all that is necessary for our Christian race and warfare. We should not pray so much for the removal of affliction, as for wisdom to make a right use of it. And who does not want wisdom to guide him under trials, both in regulating his own spirit, and in managing his affairs? Here is something in answer to every discouraging turn of the mind, when we go to God under a sense of our own weakness and folly. If, after all, any should say, This may be the case with some, but I fear I shall not succeed, the promise is, To any that asketh, it shall be given. A mind that has single and prevailing regard to its spiritual and eternal interest, and that keeps steady in its purposes for God, will grow wise by afflictions, will continue fervent in devotion, and rise above trials and oppositions. When our faith and spirits rise and fall with second causes, there will be unsteadiness in our words and actions. This may not always expose men to contempt in the world, but such ways cannot please God. No condition of life is such as to hinder rejoicing in God. Those of low degree may rejoice, if they are exalted to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom of God; and the rich may rejoice in humbling providences, that lead to a humble and lowly disposition of mind. Worldly wealth is a withering thing. Then, let him that is rich rejoice in the grace of God, which makes and keeps him humble; and in the trials and exercises which teach him to seek happiness in and from God, not from perishing enjoyments.
Commentary on James 1:12-18
(Read James 1:12-18)
It is not every man who suffers, that is blessed; but he who with patience and constancy goes through all difficulties in the way of duty. Afflictions cannot make us miserable, if it be not our own fault. The tried Christian shall be a crowned one. The crown of life is promised to all who have the love of God reigning in their hearts. Every soul that truly loves God, shall have its trials in this world fully recompensed in that world above, where love is made perfect. The commands of God, and the dealings of his providence, try men's hearts, and show the dispositions which prevail in them. But nothing sinful in the heart or conduct can be ascribed to God. He is not the author of the dross, though his fiery trial exposes it. Those who lay the blame of sin, either upon their constitution, or upon their condition in the world, or pretend they cannot keep from sinning, wrong God as if he were the author of sin. Afflictions, as sent by God, are designed to draw out our graces, but not our corruptions. The origin of evil and temptation is in our own hearts. Stop the beginnings of sin, or all the evils that follow must be wholly charged upon us. God has no pleasure in the death of men, as he has no hand in their sin; but both sin and misery are owing to themselves. As the sun is the same in nature and influences, though the earth and clouds, often coming between, make it seem to us to vary, so God is unchangeable, and our changes and shadows are not from any changes or alterations in him. What the sun is in nature, God is in grace, providence, and glory; and infinitely more. As every good gift is from God, so particularly our being born again, and all its holy, happy consequences come from him. A true Christian becomes as different a person from what he was before the renewing influences of Divine grace, as if he were formed over again. We should devote all our faculties to God's service, that we may be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures.