Monday 2 February 2026

Psalm 126

Background
The letter of James begins with a bold, clear introduction, and the traditional form of greeting that is seen in many of the other New Testament epistles. But that’s where the similarity ends. James is different from the other letters in many ways and, because of that, its place in the New Testament was disputed for centuries. While the Council of Trent of 1546 settled the debate for Roman Catholics, it remained a controversial inclusion for some in emerging Protestant traditions, with Martin Luther being very critical of it.

While tradition suggests the book’s author was James, the brother of Jesus, there is little, if any, evidence within the letter to support this. One of Luther’s concerns was that the epistle only mentions Jesus Christ twice, once in the opening verse and a second time at the beginning of chapter 2. However in neither instance does the author suggest a family link. Instead the author identifies himself as a 'servant' (v. 1), albeit a servant with a lot of advice to offer and wisdom to share.

The letter is addressed to 'the twelve tribes in the Dispersion' (v. 1) providing a familiar reference to the 12 tribes of Israel for the Christian Jews in or around Palestine who were probably the first to hear it. They may have been reassured by this link to their past, but in the very next sentence the author is acknowledging that this new life they have chosen in not without its challenges and difficulties. While facing 'trials of any kind' may not necessarily reflect active persecution for these early Christians, nevertheless through 'testing of faith' they will find that they grow and become more mature (v. 4).

The author contrasts positively seeking and valuing wisdom (v. 5) with an antipathy to acquiring riches (v. 10). Indeed, much of the advice and guidance the author provides throughout this book feels it could have come from the Book of Proverbs in the Old Testament. Wisdom will help to guide the new Christian and will only grow and develop as they do. By contrast riches provide only short-lasting benefit and could 'disappear like a flower in the field'. (v. 10)

To Ponder:

• How have you grown and developed as a person through some of the challenges you have experienced?
• What are the characteristics that you most value in a person and how can you encourage them?

Prayer
All-knowing God, give me the wisdom to help me notice and value the important things of life, and to worry less about those things that sometimes weigh me down. Amen.

Bible notes author: Dr Richard Vautrey
Dr Vautrey is a local preacher and church steward in Leeds, and a former Vice-President of the Methodist Conference. He works as a GP and is a former chair of the BMA's GP committee.