James 1:12

Verse 12. Blessed is the man.

That is, happy. The apostle here again takes up the thought of the results to the man who successfully resists temptations, and withstands all the trials to which his faith is subjected. This without regard as to whether he is of low degree or rich. If he endureth, stands firm in his faith, notwithstanding the temptation or trial, of such an one the apostle affirms he is blessed, he is happy.

He shall receive the crown of life.

This is the reward of his fidelity. This is the compensation God has promised to those that love him, to those who are loyal in their allegiance to God's beloved Son.

The Crown of life.

Contemplate this reward, ye faithful. Can a greater stimulus be imagined, a stronger incentive to fidelity? The crown of life God's reward offered to his struggling, afflicted children. Paul speaks of the same thing in view of his anticipated violent death at the block when he says: "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness" (2 Timothy 4:8). John also, in the revelations made to him on the lonely Isle of Patmos, is instructed to write Smyrna's suffering sons: "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Revelation 2:10). The crown of life is the richest diadem in the coronet of heaven. It is an enduring or eternal blessed existence. A never-ending life, freed from trials, afflictions or sorrows. "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, ye may be also" (John 14:2-3).