Listen to the full Epistle of James in the King James Version (KJV) with text.
Audio Bible https://tienda.josepenacoto.com/products/the-bible-audiobook
📖 Chapters
0:00 James 1. Trials, Wisdom, and Being Doers of the Word
3:50 James 2. Faith Without Works Is Dead
7:24 James 3. The Power of the Tongue and True Wisdom
10:07 James 4. Submitting to God and Resisting the Devil
12:45 James 5. Patience in Suffering and the Power of Prayer
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9nL9AX7_1DODTGB18Hh_JCJr2s-l2KnL
The Epistle of James, commonly known as James, is the twentieth book of the New Testament and one of the most practical and wisdom-filled letters in the Bible. Written by James, the brother of Jesus, who became a leader in the Jerusalem church, it was likely composed between AD 45–50, making it one of the earliest New Testament writings. Addressed to Jewish Christians scattered throughout the Roman world, James encourages believers to live out their faith with genuine devotion, wisdom, and good works.
James begins the letter by addressing trials and perseverance, teaching that trials test faith and produce endurance, leading to spiritual maturity. He urges believers to ask God for wisdom, as He gives generously to those who seek Him. However, he warns against doubt and double-mindedness, encouraging them to remain steadfast in faith despite hardships.
One of the key themes in James is the relationship between faith and works. James famously states that faith without works is dead, emphasizing that true faith is demonstrated by action. While salvation is by grace through faith, James argues that genuine faith naturally produces good works, such as caring for the poor, controlling one’s speech, and living righteously. He challenges believers to not merely listen to the Word but to be doers of the Word, applying God’s truth to daily life.
James also warns against favoritism, rebuking believers who show partiality to the rich while neglecting the poor. He stresses that true religion is caring for widows and orphans and keeping oneself unstained by the world, showing that God values humility and love over wealth and status.
A major focus of the letter is the power of the tongue. James warns that the tongue is like a small fire that can set a great forest ablaze, emphasizing that words have the power to bless or curse, build up or destroy. He encourages believers to tame their speech, speak wisely, and avoid gossip and slander.
James also contrasts earthly wisdom with godly wisdom. Earthly wisdom is marked by selfish ambition, envy, and disorder, while godly wisdom is pure, peace-loving, gentle, and full of mercy. He calls believers to humility, submission to God, and resisting the devil, reminding them that God gives grace to the humble but opposes the proud.
Toward the end of the letter, James warns against wealth and self-reliance, cautioning those who place their trust in riches rather than God.
