Practical moral instruction on speech, wealth, and consistency.
James is a letter of blunt ethical teaching, traditionally attributed to James the brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church. It reads like collected wisdom sayings rather than a sustained argument.
James argues that belief which produces no practical care for others is worthless, using the example of wishing a hungry person well without feeding them. This section was later read as being in tension with Paul, though the two use their terms differently.
A vivid passage compares the tongue to a ship's rudder, a spark that sets a forest ablaze, and an untamable creature, and condemns the inconsistency of using the same mouth to bless God and curse people.
James denounces favoritism toward wealthy visitors and warns rich landowners who withhold wages, then urges patience until the coming of the Lord, along with practical notes on prayer, oaths, and restoring those who wander.