James 1:2 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Count it all joy That is, matter of the greatest joy; when ye fall into divers temptations Πειρασμοις, trials; for though rendered temptations, it does not signify here what is commonly meant by temptations, for these we are directed to pray against, but it denotes trials by affliction and persecution. To these God, by whose providence they come, exposes men, not to lead them into sin, but to afford them an opportunity of exercising and improving their graces and virtues. Hence our Lord declared those to be blessed who were persecuted for righteousness' sake, Matthew 5:10; and exhorted such, (Matthew 5:42,) to rejoice and be exceeding glad; sentiments which doubtless the Apostle James had in his eye when he spoke to the Jewish Christians in this manner. Knowing that the trying, or proving, of your faith By persecution and affliction; worketh patience Exercises and thereby increases your patience, through the divine blessing, and your resignation to God's will, from which many other virtues will flow. But let patience have her perfect work Let it be duly and fully exercised, that it may rise to the highest degree of perfection: 1st, By composing your minds to a sweet and humble frame under your sufferings. 2d, By acknowledging God's hand in them, and blessing him for them. 3d, By resisting all inclinations to impatience, fretfulness, and murmuring. 4th, By quietly waiting for deliverance, in the way God hath appointed, till he shall see fit to grant Jas 2:5 th, By enduring to the end of the time of your trial; that ye may be perfect and entire Adorned with every Christian grace and virtue; wanting nothing No kind or degree of grace which God requires to be in you; but may be complete in all the parts of holiness.