1:2 temptations. The “temptations” that were coming were actually “testings.” James realized that persecutions would inevitably reach these Jewish Christians, and wanted to help them prepare for them. They had already been severe in Jerusalem. Stephen had been slain (Acts 7:59-60), as had James, the son of Zebedee and brother of John (Acts 12:1-2) and, no doubt, others. According to the historian Josephus, James himself, author of the epistle, was executed in A.D. 62.

1:5 lack wisdom. When a believer prays for wisdom, he must remember that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10) and that in Christ “are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). The wisdom that God provides in answer to prayer must always be in accordance with His Word.