James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the dispersion, greetings.

The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.

Brothers and sisters: We speak a wisdom to those who are mature, not a wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age who are passing away.

If you choose you can keep the commandments, they will save you;/ if you trust in God, you too shall live;/ he has set before you fire and water;/ to whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand./ Before man are life and death, good and evil,/ whichever he chooses shall be given him./ Immense is the wisdom of the Lord;/ he is mighty in power, and all-seeing./ The eyes of God are on those who fear him;/ he understands man’s every deed./ No one does he command to act unjustly,/ to none does he give license to sin.

Jesus said to his disciples: [“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.