If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
James 1:5 KJV
About the Book of James
James is the New Testament's wisdom book, full of short, punchy commands in the manner of Proverbs. He addresses trials, favouritism toward the rich, controlling the tongue, quarrels, arrogance about plans and patience. His central claim is that real faith shows itself in action, and he gives examples of Abraham and Rahab. Many readers hear echoes of the Sermon on the Mount in his teaching. It is short and easy to read in one sitting.
- Testament: New Testament
- Genre: Letter
- Chapters: 5
- Verses: 108
Who Wrote James, and When?
Author: Traditionally attributed to James, brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church.
When it was written: Probably between about AD 45 and 62.
Main Themes in James
- Faith shown by deeds
- Taming the tongue
- Wisdom from above
A Key Verse: James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
It offers an open invitation to ask God for wisdom, with a promise that he gives generously.
Reading Tip
Martin Luther disliked James, but the letter and Paul address different problems. Paul fights works used to earn salvation, while James fights faith that does nothing. Use the randomizer above to land on a verse in James, then press Show context to read the verses around it.
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Browse all 66 books on the Bible books page, or get a verse from the whole Bible with the main Bible verse randomizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chapters and verses are in James?
James has 5 chapters and 108 verses in the King James Version.
Who wrote James?
Author: Traditionally attributed to James, brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church. When it was written: Probably between about AD 45 and 62.
What is James about?
James is the New Testament's wisdom book, full of short, punchy commands in the manner of Proverbs. He addresses trials, favouritism toward the rich, controlling the tongue, quarrels, arrogance about plans and patience. His central claim is that real faith shows itself in action, and he gives examples of Abraham and Rahab. Many readers hear echoes of the Sermon on the Mount in his teaching. It is short and easy to read in one sitting.
Can I get a random verse from only James?
Yes. This page picks a random verse from James only. Every one of its 108 verses has an equal chance.