James returns to the thought of trials and temptations with which he began the letter. In 1:12 the Greek word for 'crown' is used where the Good News Bible translation uses 'reward'. Paul uses the same Greek word in 1 Corinthians 9:25, referring to the wreath which was given to the victor in the Greek games. Both Paul and James have the thought of the contrast between the victor's wreath of leaves which lasts for only a few hours but for which he strives so hard in the games, and the ever-lasting 'crown of glory', meaning God's gift of eternal life which God gives to those who love him. The idea of the 'crown' of the Christian is also found in 2 Timothy 4 :8, 1 Peter 5 :4, Revelation 2: 10.

 In 1: 13-15 James appears to be arguing against a prevalent Greek idea that evil came from the gods. James says that no evil can come from God and if a person finds himself tempted to sin, then he must blame his own sinful inclination, not God. Man's temptation to sin comes from within man (Galatians 5:19-21). Evil desire within man leads to evil actions, which in turn lead to death. In the Old Testament, Jeremiah and Ezekiel had seen that each person must accept personal responsibility for sinful desires and actions (Jeremiah 31:30 and Ezekiel 33:9).

In contrast to the wrong idea that temptation to sin is sent by God, James affirms God's great goodness; from God alone comes salvation. 'Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God. .' (1:17). It is God's will that we should have the first place among his creatures (Romans 8: 19-23). We have been given life through the 'word of truth' (1 Peter 1:23, John 1: 1-5). The 'word of truth' may be taken to mean the Gospel. The idea of the Christian life as the new creation of God is found in other New Testament- passages such as Colossians 3:9-10, Ephesians 4:24,1 John 3:9, John 1 :13.