We might wonder why the ever-practical James does not proceed to outline schemes of daily Bible reading or the like, for surely these are the ways in which we offer a willing ear to the voice of God. But he does not help us in this way. Rather, he goes deeper, for there is little point in schemes and times if we have not got an attentive spirit. It is possible to be unfailingly regular in Bible reading, but to achieve no more than to have moved the book-mark forward: this is reading unrelated to an attentive spirit. The word is read but not heard.
(J. A. Motyer)

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     Ultimately the key both to responding to trials and resisting temptation is to be found in one's reaction to God's Word. Receptivity to the Word, responsiveness to the Word, and resignation to the Word are essential to spiritual growth. One must accept God's Word, act on it, and abide by it.
(Dr. J. R. Blue)

     If you should ask me what are the ways of religion, I should tell you that the first is humility, the second is humility, and the third is humility. Not that there are no other precepts to give, but if humility does not precede all that we do, our efforts are fruitless and our pride will snatch everything out of our hands.
(Augustine)

     Humility is that virtue by which a man recognizes his own unworthiness through a true knowledge of himself. He who knows himself accurately cannot be puffed up by the praise of men, for he knows what he truly is in secret before God. He does not seek elevated positions or high esteem, knowing that the higher a man climbs on the ladder of his own self-regard, the greater and more severe his fall will be.
(Chrysostom)

     God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
(James 4:6)

     Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.
(C.S. Lewis)

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