[12] Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.blessed = makarios, happy, well off, fortunate...
(James 1:12 ESV)
this is the same 'blessed as in the sermon on the mount (also in LXX for Ps. 1).
Who is well off?
"steadfast under trial" - things are not easy, but this person does not give up
Why is not quitting when it is hard 'well off'?
when the time of testing is over, if one is still standing, he will receive life's award (goal, prize, point)
That is God's promise to people who love him (and don't quit when under trials)
What i see is James making an argument for his people that fidelity to God, in spite of short term losses and hardships, is the best long term investment of life.
Everything in the book expounds on that idea.
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