A. The Testing of Faith (1:2–12) 2 In vv. 2–4 James explains that trials are reason for rejoicing because of the wholesome effects they produce. The word “trials” (peirasmois) describes things that put a person to the test. They may be difficulties that come from without, such as persecution, or they may be inner moral tests, such as temptations to sin. James uses the word in the former sense in vv. 2–4 and in the latter sense in vv. 13–18. The outward trial, rather than being a reason for unhappiness,