Tag Archives: James

Wisdom, Humility and Righteousness

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast … Continue reading

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Thoughts on the Words We speak

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise … Continue reading

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Taming the Tongue

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered … Continue reading

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Teachers

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.  We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, … Continue reading

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

More Faith and Deeds

You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his … Continue reading

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Bonus Post: James and the Sermon on the Mount

The connection between James and the Sermon on the Mount is striking in that there are so many that James could almost be a commentary. Maybe it’s just me, but I think that another curious feature of this connection is … Continue reading

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Faith Without Action is Dead

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. What good is it, my … Continue reading

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Bonus Post: James as “Wisdom Literature”

While our book of James is written in a letter form, there are no personal messages contained in it, for it is actually another literary form popular in the ancient world, a paracnesis or moral instruction. Proverbs in the Old Testament … Continue reading

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Love is Active

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and … Continue reading

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Do what it says!

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, … Continue reading

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments