Chuck Swindoll writes, “The book of James looks a bit like the Old Testament book of Proverbs dressed up in New Testament clothes.

Its consistent focus on practical action in the life of faith is reminiscent of the Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament, encouraging God’s people to act like God’s people.

The pages of James are filled with direct commands to pursue a life of holiness. He makes no excuses for those who do not measure up. In the mind of this early church leader, Christians can give evidence of their faith by walking in certain ways and not other ways. For James, a faith that does not produce real life change is a faith that is worthless (James 2:17).”