Matthew Henry Commentary James 1:1-11

"James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are of the Dispersion, greeting. Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. And let patience have [its] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord; a doubleminded man, unstable in all his ways. But let the brother of low degree glory in his high estate: and the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun ariseth with the scorching wind, and withereth the grass: and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his goings." — James 1:1-11 (ASV)

Christianity teaches people to be joyful amidst troubles: such trials are sent from God's love, and trials in the path of duty will brighten our graces now, and our crown at last. Let us take care, in times of trial, that patience, and not passion, is put to work in us. Whatever is said or done, let patience be what says and does it. When the work of patience is complete, it will provide all that is necessary for our Christian race and warfare.

We should not pray so much for the removal of affliction as for wisdom to make a right use of it. And who does not need wisdom to guide them during trials, both in regulating their own spirit and in managing their affairs? Here is an answer to every discouraging turn of the mind when we go to God under a sense of our own weakness and folly.

If, after all, anyone should say, 'This may be the case with some, but I fear I will not succeed,' the promise is, To anyone who asks, it will be given. A mind that has a singular and prevailing concern for its spiritual and eternal interest, and that keeps steady in its purposes for God, will grow wise by afflictions, will continue fervent in devotion, and rise above trials and oppositions. When our faith and spirits rise and fall with second causes, there will be unsteadiness in our words and actions.

This may not always expose people to contempt in the world, but such ways cannot please God. No condition of life is such that it prevents rejoicing in God. Those of humble status may rejoice if they are exalted to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom of God; and the rich may rejoice in humbling providences that lead to a humble and lowly disposition of mind. Worldly wealth is a withering thing.

Then, let the one who is rich rejoice in the grace of God, which makes and keeps them humble; and in the trials and disciplines which teach them to seek happiness in and from God, not from perishing enjoyments.