Practical advice from James

James gave lots of practical advice in his epistle. These exhortations are timeless advice applicable to any generation. For example:
Know this, my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger (James 1:19)
How often have we answered without listening carefully first? How often have we spoken carelessly, only to regret later? How often have we expressed our own opinions uninvited? How often have we flared up our anger to hide the inadequacy of our arguments? How often?
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves (James 1:22).
How often we live in self-deception! We are delighted to hear the truth, but we are not very eager to put it into practice because the truth is often very inconvenient to us. For example, when we discover it is our fault to mess things up, very often, we put the blame on others. Not me! Not me! You have been unkind and unfair to me! With such an attitude, how can we hope that you are an honest man?
If any one thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this man's religion is vain.
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world (James 1:26-27).
Very often, we gossip, we boast of ourselves instead of doing charity. Talking nonsense is such an easy and enjoyable pastime. Visiting orphans and widows is too troublesome.
Listen, my beloved brethren. Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to those who love him? (James 2:5)
Blessed are the poor for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Do we Christians truly believe in this piece of Beatitude?
Is it not the rich who oppress you, is it not they who drag you into court?
Is it not they who blaspheme that honorable name which was invoked over you? (James 2:6b-7)
and yet, many of us are no different from worldly people. Somehow, we too are attracted to rich and powerful people, waiting for chances to offer them favours they don't really need nor appreciate. In the end, we become bitter because we are ignored.

My Advocate, enrich our hearts so that we may live comfortably in poverty. Open our mouths so that we may sing praises to You instead of trumpeting our incompetence. May we generously extend a helping hand whenever needs arise.
Our Lady, let us learn to be humble and pure in heart, like you. Amen.