It is evident to many scholars that the epistle of James owes much of its style and focus to Jewish wisdom tradition. In fact, some would term James not as an epistle so much as a unique form of Christian wisdom literature. James' affinity for wisdom sayings and emphasis on the role of wisdom in the Christian life is certainly evident in today's text. Not only is defining wisdom itself the subject of the text, but James' advice focuses on everyday matters and applications yet another sign of traditional wisdom literature.

James' words on wisdom are directed toward those who would be teachers in the Christian community those whose trade was in their correct grasp of knowledge. At the very outset of his words to teachers, James cautions that few could qualify, few could meet the strict requ…