BibleProject | One Story That Leads to Jesusਨਮੂਨਾ

What is the goal of wisdom literature? Certainly, it aims to make one wise. When you see the fruit of wisdom, its deeper objective emerges. Wise living creates flourishing relationships. But James is not merely saying that wisdom benefits you. Wisdom benefits everyone by creating strong social bonds.

Today’s final sections of James offer another collection of proverbial sayings that focus on the way people speak, use wealth, and commit to the Lord. Again, James’ words are like barbs, but if you can suffer the sting long enough to see his main goal, James’ letter morphs from scorching caution into a warm hug.

Take James’ instruction on swearing oaths (5:12), which repeats Jesus’ own teaching (Matt. 5:37). So what’s wrong with swearing an oath? It uses someone (“I swear to God!”) or something (“I swear on the Bible!”) to make your word stronger. Wisdom says to tell the truth always. A wise person’s yes means yes without having to swear to God. Their “yes” or “no” is so true that an oath wouldn’t help it anyway.

When people relate to one another in that way, with that level of truth and trust, Jesus’ Kingdom expands. Whole, loving relationships mark the path walked by wise people. The foolish path leaves people broken and betrayed, unable to trust whether their neighbors are true. When people walk in wisdom, they abide in the truth, and the truth sets everyone free to trust one another.

As James closes, we see how he values right relationships as vital lifelines to spiritual health. James’ final instruction teaches mutual care for one another through good and bad times (5:13-18).

Are you sick? Ask for the community’s help and prayer. Doing well? Sing songs of praise as friends. Help one another generously. Have you sinned? Confess truthfully and ask for prayers of restoration. Wisely lean on each other for whatever life brings.

Reflection Questions

• How would you summarize James’ discussion of wealth? How does his teaching on the use of resources parallel other teachings throughout the Bible?
• James’ concern for the power of speech continues today. How do a person’s words reveal their priorities? How does speech honor God?