James #25: Bad Friends

Pastor James, who has called us brethren 15 times, suddenly confronts us as adulteresses. His readers would have recognized such Old Testament language, reminding them of the many passages that compare Israel's relationship to the Lord as a marriage, and her infidelity as adultery.

How do we commit spiritual adultery? By making friends with the world. Such friendship is not defined by man-made rules, but rather by acting according to "worldly" wisdom. The wisdom that James has said is behind the bitter envies, selfish ambitions, wars and fightings and ineffectual and inappropriate prayers that he has just condemned. By engaging in such sins we not only become friends with the world, but enemies of God.

In verse 5 (one of the more difficult passages for many scholars and commentators), James seems to change subjects. But if we stick to translations based on the Textus Receptus, it is clear that the theme of God as a jealous husband is extended and applied.

Finally, he warns against pride – a pride that will prevent us from receiving the grace that he freely gives to the humble.