James 1:17 – God, the Giver of Every Perfect Gift

BIBLE TEXT

James 1:17

SUMMARY

Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father, whose creative power is unswervingly lavished upon all creation.

ANALYSIS

This familiar verse establishes a central beginning point for the wisdom perspective of James. Wisdom is convinced that everything that God has created and everything that God gives is good. Thus, this verse places God at the center of the letter as the source of all that constitutes the goodness of creation. Of course, a key part of this perfect gift is the gift of wisdom itself and the related gift of hearing and doing that is expressed in those practical acts of love of the neighbor.