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James underscores the positive role of testing in v.12. Using the metaphor of the games, he holds forth the victor’s crown to the Christian who demonstrates endurance. The crown of life is generally viewed as eschatological life after death, but the Greek expression may also be construed as referring to this life. It is life as God intended in creation: an intimate, personal relationship with God in love, the development of fortitude through repeated victory in every test. It is the complete life (1:4), having “every grace which constitutes the mind that was in Christ, so that your knowledge and holiness may be complete” (Clarke, 6:760).
The Greek word translated “trial” also means “temptation.” Many interpreters feel that James suddenly changes the meaning of the word to that of tempting in vv.13-14. (He now uses the verb form.) OT theology clearly affirms that God subjects people to tests to confirm their faith. (Recall God’s directive to Abraham to make Isaac a human sacrifice, Ge 22). So it would be incorrect to say that “God himself tests nobody.” It is altogether proper, however, to retain the meaning of testing and to render the passage as follows: “When a person is testing himself, he must not say, ‘I am being tested by God,’ for God is not liable to testing with reference to evil, and he himself does not cause testing in anyone. But each man, in testing himself, allows himself to be hooked and dragged away by his own deep desires.” An individual may intentionally create a situation in order to invoke special help from God or to demonstrate spiritual superiority. But there is no need for a person to engage in self-testing. This is born of unwholesome desire. Its true nature will become evident in consequent sin (1:15). James understandably hastens to warn such persons: “Don't be deceived, my dear brothers!” (v.16). V.16 fittingly concludes the paragraph.