Study Desk

But if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous to everyone and will give you wisdom without criticizing you.

But when you ask God, you must believe and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like a wave in the sea, blown up and down by the wind.

But people are tempted when their own evil desire leads them away and traps them.

But the truly happy people are those who carefully study God's perfect law that makes people free, and they continue to study it. They do not forget what they heard, but they obey what God's teaching says. Those who do this will be made happy.

People who think they are religious but say things they should not say are just fooling themselves. Their "religion" is worth nothing.

You show special attention to the one wearing nice clothes and say, "Please, sit here in this good seat." But you say to the poor person, "Stand over there," or, "Sit on the floor by my feet."

But you show no respect to the poor. The rich are always trying to control your lives. They are the ones who take you to court.

But if you treat one person as being more important than another, you are sinning. You are guilty of breaking God's law.

A person who follows all of God's law but fails to obey even one command is guilty of breaking all the commands in that law.

The same God who said, "You must not be guilty of adultery," also said, "You must not murder anyone." So if you do not take part in adultery but you murder someone, you are guilty of breaking all of God's law.

So you must show mercy to others, or God will not show mercy to you when he judges you. But the person who shows mercy can stand without fear at the judgment.

My brothers and sisters, if people say they have faith, but do nothing, their faith is worth nothing. Can faith like that save them?

If you say to that person, "God be with you! I hope you stay warm and get plenty to eat," but you do not give what that person needs, your words are worth nothing.

Someone might say, "You have faith, but I have deeds." Show me your faith without doing anything, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

You believe there is one God. Good! But the demons believe that, too, and they tremble with fear.

Also a ship is very big, and it is pushed by strong winds. But a very small rudder controls that big ship, making it go wherever the pilot wants.

It is the same with the tongue. It is a small part of the body, but it brags about great things. A big forest fire can be started with only a little flame.

but no one can tame the tongue. It is wild and evil and full of deadly poison.

We use our tongues to praise our Lord and Father, but then we curse people, whom God made like himself.

But if you are selfish and have bitter jealousy in your hearts, do not brag. Your bragging is a lie that hides the truth.