Admonitions lay emphasis on the didactic element and call for obedience to and implementation of the advice. Usually a reason is added to support the admonitions. They are eminently suited to the wisdom style that offers practical advice to its readers. James finds this form to be the most appropriate way to express his paraenetical advice, as shown in the following examples. (1) James 1:2 (“My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy”) continues with numerous other admonitions: “And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing” (1:4); “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you” (1:5); “But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind” (1:6). (2) James 1:19–27 contains a series of admonitions that revolve around the threefold saying: “Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger” (1:19).8 This pericope considers each one of these phrases, which give rise to admonitions. (3) James 4:7–10 contains ten imperatives that include related admonitions: “Submit yourselves therefore to God.... Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” All the admonitions are contained between these parallel admonitions to submit to God. The Letter of James ends with various admonitions on such themes as not taking oaths, the exhortation to prayer, and finally concluding with the admonition: “You should know that whoever brings back a sinner from wandering will save the sinner’s soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (5:20). By following these admonitions and the way of life that this letter outlines, the reader can hope for salvation. A twofold perspective emerges in these admonitions. A focus on the present shows the readers the type of life they are to lead now. Secondly, it opens up a vision onto the future attainment of salvation. The worldview of wisdom has been broadened to include the eschatological dimension.
Zoroastrianism the Religion and Its History
