Gr. hupomonē, “steadfastness,” “endurance,” “constancy,” “patience” (see on Rom. 5:3). This enduring power is the result of faith that has been tried and found triumphant. Too often the English word “patience” suggests mere passive submission.

 However, hupomonē emphasizes the active staying power that makes men triumphant over their “divers temptations” (see Luke 8:15; Rom. 2:7; Heb. 10:36; Rev. 14:12). This character asset is needed by all who face dreary adversities, whether of a personal nature or such as often confront them when they seek to advance the cause of God. By faith we believe that God is working with us, and this conviction develops a hardy steadfastness that will not submit to defeat.

 Verse 3 states the basis for the rejoicing noted in v. 2. James reminds his readers that personal joy amid life’s afflictions can be experienced only by those who face them with a sound, stabilizing Christian philosophy.

Gr. dokimion, “proving,” “testing.” This word refers not only to the testing of a Christian’s faith but more precisely to that attribute of faith that makes it victorious over the problems of life. The papyri (see Vol. V, pp. 104, 105) use this word in connection with gold to describe “standard gold,” that is, gold that measures up to the test and is found genuine. The phrase, “the trying of your faith,” may thus describe faith that comes up to the test.

Gr. pistis, “faith,” “conviction,” “belief,” “trust.” James speaks of victorious faith that has successfully faced the varied problems of life, or “divers temptations.” Each conflict with “temptation” strengthens the faith of a victorious Christian. As a veteran of earthly warfare who has learned to face habitual danger confidently is more trustworthy than a raw recruit, so the victorious Christian is better prepared for the trials he must meet than the Christian whose faith is untried.

This faith is the unswerving conviction that Jesus Christ has a satisfying plan of life for every man and that for every trial He provides a solution. The man of faith believes that no person or circumstance can thwart the plan that God has for the happiness of His children.