<P> The Epistle of James (Ancient Greek: Ἰάκωβος, translit . Iakōbos), the Book of James, or simply James, is one of the 21 epistles (didactic letters) in the New Testament . </P> <P> The author identifies himself as "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ," who is writing to "the twelve tribes scattered abroad" (James 1: 1). The epistle is traditionally attributed to James the brother of Jesus (James the Just), and the audience is generally considered to be Jewish Christians, who were dispersed outside Palestine . </P> <P> Framed within an overall theme of patient perseverance during trials and temptations, James writes to encourage believers to live consistently with what they have learned in Christ . He wants his readers to mature in their faith in Christ by living what they say they believe . He condemns various sins, including pride, hypocrisy, favouritism, and slander . He encourages believers to humbly live by godly rather than worldly wisdom and to pray in all situations . </P> <P> Within the New Testament canon, the Epistle of James is noteworthy because it makes no reference to the death, resurrection, or divine sonship of Jesus . It refers to Jesus twice, as "the Lord Jesus Christ" and as "our glorious Lord Jesus Christ" (James 1: 1, 2: 1). </P>

What is the main purpose of the book of james