| Key term | James | Proverbs | Jesus |
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| Tongue | 1:26: If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 3:1-12 | 17:20: A man of perverse heart does not prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble. 6:16, 10:19-20: 13:3, 15:2, 15:4, 18:21, 18:28, 21:6, 21:23, 25:15, 25:23, 26:28, 28:23, 31:26 | Does not use the word “tongue” literally. See next section on speech acts |
| Word/Speech/say/speak | 3:2: We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. 1:3, 1:22-23, 2:3, 2:16, 2:18, 3:2, 4:13, 4:15 | 8:8: All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse. 8:7: My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness. 22:1 He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend. word=30+X | Mat. 12:36-37: But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Mat. 5:22, 6:7, 6:31, 7:4, 7:21-23, 12:33-37, 17:20-22, Lk. 6:45, 12:10 |
| Quarrels/fights/grumble/slander | 4:1-2: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.” 2:7, 4:11, 5:9 | 17:14: Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. 10:18, 13:10, 15:18, 17:19, 20:3, 22:10, 26:20, 30:10 | Mat. 15:19: For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. Mk. 7:22 |
| Anger/hot-tempered/hot headed | 1:19-20: My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. | 29:11: A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. 15:1, 20:2, 21:14, 22:24, 27:4, 29:8, 30:33 hot tempered: 14:6, 15:8, 19:19, 22:24, 29:22 | Mat. 5:22: But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. 18:34 |
| Favoritism/discrimination/oppress/contempt vs. the poor | 2:1,4: My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 2:9, 5:4-6 | 14:31: He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. 17:5: He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished. 22:16, 28:3, 29:13 | Lk.14:12-14: (13: But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.) Lk. 14:8-10 |
| Humble/humility | 4:10: Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. 4:6: But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. | 22:4: Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life. 3:34, 6:3,, 15:33, 18:12 | Mat. 23:12: For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Mat. 11:29, 18:4 |
| pride/proud | 4:6: But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. 1:9-10 | 8:13: To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. 3:34, 11:2, 18:12, 21:24, 29:23 | See exalt verses below. |
| Boast/exalt | 4:16: As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. 3:5, 3:14 | 27:1: Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. 25:14, 25:26, 30:22 | Mat. 23:12: For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (X3) |
| Judge (one another) | 4:11-12: Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? 2:4 | 31:9: Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” | Mat. 7:1-5: Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Lk. 6:37, Jn. 8:15 |
| Deceive | 1:22: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 1:16, 1:26
| 24:28: Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, or use your lips to deceive. 14:15, 26:19 | 24:24: For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. Mat. 24:4-5, 24:11. |
| Envy | 3:16: For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 3:14 | 14:30: A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. 3:31, 23:17, 24:1 | Mk. 7:22: greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. |
| Curse | 3:9: With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in Godʼs likeness. | 20:20: If a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness. 3:33, 11:26, 28:27, 30:11 | Lk. 6:8: bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (Mat. 5:44), Mat. 15:4, 25:41 |
| Peacemakers/seek peace | 3:18: But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. 3:17 | 12:20: There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace. 3:17, | Mat. 5:8: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. |
| Love | 2:8: If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 1:12, 2:5 | 10:12: Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. 3:12, 8:17, 8:21, 14:22, 15:9, 16:6, 21:21 | Mat. 12:37-40: Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Mat. 12:18, 24:12, Lk. 11:42, Jn. 13:34, 14:15, 14:21, 14:23-24, 15:9-10, 15:12-13, 15:17, 16:27 |
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| Mercy | 3:17: But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 2:13, 5:11 | 18:23: A poor man pleads for mercy, but a rich man answers harshly. 21:10, 28:13 | Mat. 5:7: Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Mat. 9:13, 12:7, 23:23, Mk. 5:19 |
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| Neighbor | 2:8: If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 4:12b: But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? | 3:29: Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. | 19:19: honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’” |
| Workers (deserve their wages) | 5:4: Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. | 12:14: From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him. (31:9: Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”) | Lk. 10:7: Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. |
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| 2. Difficult or negative themes |
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| Testing/temptation/tempt, entice, cause to sin | 1:13-14: When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 1:2, 1:12, | 1:10: My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them. 16:29, 17:13, 27:21, | Mat. 6:13:And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ Mat. 18:6, 26:41, Lk. 22:46 |
| Death | 1:15: Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 5:20 | 14:12: There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. 10:2, 11:4, 11:19, 13:14, 14:27, 18:21, 19:18, 21:25, 23:14, 24:11 die-7X | Jn. 5:24: “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. Jn. 8:51. Die=6:49-50, 58, 8:21,24, 11:25-6. 12:24 |
| Murder/kill/shed blood | 2:11: For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. 4:2b: You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. 5:6: You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you. | 1:16: for their feet rush into sin, they are swift to shed blood. 28:17: A man tormented by the guilt of murder will be a fugitive till death; let no one support him. 29:10: Bloodthirsty men hate a man of integrity and seek to kill the upright.
| Mk. 7:21: For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, Mk. 10:19a: You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, |
| Sin/sinner | 1:15: Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 2:9, 4:8, 4:17, 5:15-16, 5:20 | 29:16: When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall. 1:10, 1:16, 5:22, 10:19, 11:31, 12:13, 13:21-22, 14:9, 14:21, 14:34, 16:6, 17:19, 20:9, 21:4, 23:17, 24:9, 28:13, 29:6, 29:16, 29:22 | Mat. 13:41: The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. Mat. 6:15, 9:13, 18:15, 23:32, 26:28, Lk.6:23-24, 7:47, 11:4, 15:7, 17:1-3, 17:3-4, 24:47, Jn. 8:24,16:8-9, 20:23, |
| Evil | 1:13-14: For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 1:21, 2:4, 3:6, 3:8, 4:16 | 11:6: The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. 45X | Mat. 15:19: For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 25X |
| Devil/Satan | 3:15: Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.
4:7: Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. | No direct reference | Jn. 8:44: You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your fatherʼs desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Mat. 11:39, 25:41, Jn. 6:70. Satan: Mat. 4:10, 12:26-27, 16:23, Mk. 3:23, 4:15, Lk. 10:18, 13:16, 22:31 |
| World (ungodly/wicked) | 4:4: You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. | 11:31: If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner! 5:22: The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast.
| Jn. 14:17: the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. Jn. 15:19: If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 17:15: My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 100X |
| Pleasure | 4:3: When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. | 10:23a: A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, | Lk. 8:14: The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. |
| Desire | 1:14: But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. | 11:6: The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. 6:25 (lust) | Mk. 4:19: but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Mat. 5:28 (lust) |
| Adultery | 2:11: For he who said, “Do not commit adultery, also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. | 6:32: But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. 6:24, 26, 29, 7:10-27 Wayward: 20:16, 27:13, Indescreet: 11:22 | Mt. 5:27-28: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’28But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Mat. 5:32, 5:19, 19:9, 19:18 |
| Doubt | 1:6: But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. | ? | Mat. 21:21: Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. Lk. 24:38, Jn. 20:27 |
| Birth (both good and bad)/produce | 1:15: Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 1:18 | 30:33: For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife.” Many verses of actions leading to good or bad consequences.
| Jn. 3:16: Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
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| 3. Virtues |
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| Wisdom | 3:13-18: Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. | 4:5-7: Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. 59X | Lk. 21:15: For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. Mat. 7:24, 11:19, 24:45, 25:1-8, Lk. 7:35, 11:31, 11:49, 12:42, |
| Know/You know | 4:14: Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 1:3, 3:1, 4:4, 5:11 | 27:1: Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. 4:19, 10:32, 27:1 knowledge-50X | Mat. 24:42: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. Mat. 7:11, 9:6, 11:27, 12:7, 16:3, 20:22, 20:25, 22:29, 24:33, 24:26, 25:13 |
| Patience, persevere, perseverance/stand firm | 5:7-11: Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lordʼs coming is near. Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. | 10:25: When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever. 12:7, 14:29, 15:18, 16:32, 19:11, 25:15 | Mat. 24:12-13: Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. Mat. 10:22,, Mk. 13:13, Lk. 21:19. |
| Faith/Trust | 2:22-24: You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. 1:3, 2:5, 2:14, 2:17-20, 2:26, 5:15 | 3:5: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 3:5, 11:28, 16:20, 22:29, 28:25-26, 29:25 Faithful/unfaithful 17X | Jn. 14:1: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. Mat. 6:30b, 8:10b, 8:26b, 9:22, 9:29-30a, 13:58, 15:28, 16:8, 17:20, 20:21, 24:10, Mk. 16:14, Lk. 17:5, 18:8, 22:32, Jn. 14:12 |
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| Prayer | 5:13-18: Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. | 15:29: The Lord is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous. 15:8, 28:29 | Mk. 11:24: Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Mat. 11:25: And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” 40+X |
| Pure/purity/purify | 4:8: Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 1:27, 3:17 | 15:26: The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him. 20:9, 2011, 22:11, 30:12 | Mat. 5:8: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. |
| Righteous/upright/do right | 2:8: If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 2:23: And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. 1:20, 2:21, 25, 3:18, 5:16 | 8:20: I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, 15:9: The Lord detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness. 100X | 5:6: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 50X |
| Confess/repent | 5:16: Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. | 28:13: He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
| Mk. 1:5: The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” Lk. 17:3: “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.” Mat. 4:17, 11:20-21, 12:41, 21:32, Mk. 1:15, Lk. 5;32, 13:3,5, 15:7, 15:10, 16:30, 24:47 |
| Fear of the Lord/live in fear of God | 2:12-13: Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! 4:4-10, 5:1-5 | 1:7: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. 11 more X | Lk. 12:5: But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. |
| (Good) Fruit/firstfruits | 3:17: But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 1:18 (firstfruits) | 11:30: The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. 8:19, 12:14, 13:2, 18:21 | Jn. 15:8: This is to my Fatherʼs glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. Mat. 7:16-20, 12:33, 13:22, 21:43, Jn. 15:2, 15:4-5, 15:16 |
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| 4. God, His Word, Law, Truth |
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| God/Lord/Father | 4:10: Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. Lord=14X God=20X Father=1:17, 1:27, 3:9
| 3:33-34: The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. 34He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. 22:4: Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life. Lord=95X God-10X Father 3X | Mat.11:25: At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Mk. 12:29: The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Lord ?X God ?X Father ?X |
| Bless, blessing, blessed | 1:12: Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. | 16:20: Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. 20X | 5:10: Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 35X
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| Law | 2:10-12: For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, | 28:4: Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them. 28:7, 28:9, 29:18, 31:5 | Mat. 7:12: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Mat. 5:17-18, 11:13, 12:5, 12:12, 22:40, 23:23, Mk. 2:26, 3:4, 10:5, Lk. 10:26, 16:7, 24:44, Jn. 7:19, 7:23, Jn. 8:17, 10:34, 15:25 |
| Sum of law: Love neighbor/others | 2:8-9: If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. | 10:2 Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. | Mat. 22:37-40: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” |
| (God’s/Jesus’) Word | 1:8, 20: He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. | 30:5-6: Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. | Jn. 17:17: Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. Mat. 4:4: Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Mat. 7:24, 26, 12:7, 13:20-23, 15:6, 24:35, 27:35, Mk. 7:13, 8:38, 13:31, Lk. 11:28, Jn. 5:24, 5:38, 6:63, 8:37, 8:51, 8:55, 10:35, 12:47-48, 14:10, 14:24, 15:3, 15:7, 15:20, 17:6, 17:8, 17:14 |
| Truth | 1:18: He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. 3:14, 5:19 | 23:23: Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding. 16:13 Truthful: 12:7, 12:19, 12:22, 14:5 | Jn. 8:31-32: If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Jn. 17:17: Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. Jn. 3:21, 4:23-24, 5:33, 7:18, 8:40, 8:44-46, 14:6 I tell you the truth 78X
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| Judge, judgment | 5:9: Donʼt grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 2:12, 3:1, 4:12 | 31:9: Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Judgment as wisdom: 10:21b: fools die for lack of judgment. 15+X
| Mat 7:1-2: Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 30+ |
| Save | 1:21: Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. | 2:12: Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, 2:16, 14:25, 23:14 | Mt. 10:22: All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. Lk. 9:10: For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Jn. 12:47b: For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. 20X |
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| 5. Good Counsel |
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| Riches | 1:10-11: But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business | 11:28: Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. 23:5: Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. 20+X | Mat. 6:19-21: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Riches: Mk. 10:24, Lk. 8:14, 16:11 Rich: Mat. 19:23-24, Lk. 6:24, 12:16, 12:1, 14:12, 16:1, 16:21-22 |
| The Poor | 2:5-6a: Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6But you have insulted the poor. 2:2-6 | 14:31: He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. 30+X | Lk. 14:L13: But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” 20+X |
| Tomorrow | 4:13-15: Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” | 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. 3:28 | Mat. 6:34: Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. 6:30, 34, Lk. 13:32-33 |
| Listen | 1:22-23: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror. | 22:17: Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, 27X | Jn. 10:27: My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. Jn. 18:37b: Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” 35X
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| Life | 3:13: Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 1:12, 1:20, 3:6, 4:14 | 3:21-22: My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; 22they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. 49X | Jn. 6:63: The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. 100X |
| Swearing/vows | 5:12: Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned. | 20:25: It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows. | Mat. 5:34-37: But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. |
| Our spirit | 2:26: As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. 4:5: Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? | 20:7 The lamp of the Lord searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being.
| Mt. 26:41: Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Lk. 23:46. Jn. 3:6, 4:23-24 |
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| 6. Vocatives | 5:1: Now listen, you rich people
___________________ 2:20: You foolish man,
__________________ 4:8b: purify your hearts, you double-minded.
__________________ 4:4: You adulterous people
___________________ 3:13: Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
-4:8: Wash your hands, you sinners
| 23:22: Listen to your father,
___________________ 8:5b: you who are foolish, gain understanding.
__________________
__________________
___________________ 23:19: Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.
-8:4 To you, O men, -8:5 you simple ones My son (many) -6:3b: Go and humble yourself -6:5: Free yourself, like a gazelle -6:6: Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! -1:22: “How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? | Mat. 15:10: Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand ___________________ Lk. 11:40: You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? _________________. Mat. 7:5, 15:7, 22:18: Hypocrite! Mat. 23:13-29: Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! ___________________ Mat. 16:14: A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, ___________________ 7:24: Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Mat. 3.7; 12.34; 23.33 Brood of vipers
-Mat 9:2 My child, -Mat. 9:22 Daughter -Mat. 15:28 Woman. -Mat. 6:30; 8.26; 14.31; 16.8: people of little faith. -Mat.23.16, 24: “blind guides” -Mat. 23:17: blind fools -Mt. 23.19: blind men -Mat.17:17: faithless generation -Mat. 26:50 My friend (to Judas) |
| Realms of Nature |
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| Wind (instability) | 1:6: But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. | 25:14: Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give. | 11:7: What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? |
| Withering grass and fading flowers | 1:10-11: But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. | 27:25: When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in, | Mat. 6:30: If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? |
| Fire | 3:5-6: Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. | 16:27: A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech (tongue) is like a scorching fire. 6:27, 30:16b | Jn. 15:6: If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. Mat. 5:22, 13:40, 18:8-9, 25:41, Mk. 9:48, Lk. 12:49, 17:29 |
| water | 3:11-12: Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
| 18:4: The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. 14X
| Jn. 7:38: Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” 35+X |
| Figs (Olives) | 3:12: 12My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. | 27:18: He who tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored. | Mat. 17:16: By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 9X |
| Sow, harvest | 3:18: Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. | 11:18: The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. 22:8: He who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed. | 13:37: He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. 17 (not including PP) |
| Rain | 5:8: Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 5:17-18 | 16:15: When a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. 16:15, 25:14, 25:23, 26:1, 25:15, 28:3 | Mat. 5:45: that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Mt. 7:25, 7:27, Lk. 12:54 |
| Heaven/sky/God’s realm | 5:18: Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. 3:17: But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 1:17, 3:15, 5:12 | 3:19: By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; 8:27: I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep, 30:4a: Who has gone up to heaven and come down? 25:3 (Earth: 3:19, 8:16, 8:26, 8:29, 11:31, 17:24, 25:3, 26:23, 30:4, 30:14, 30:21, 30:24) | Mk. 14:62: “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 5:16: In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. 11:25a: At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, 152X |
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| sun | 1:11: For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. | – | Mat. 13:6: But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Mat. 5:45, 13:43, 24:29 |
Seeing Scripture anew 