James tells us that we are to ask God for wisdom when we encounter trials. Jesus says, in Matthew 7:24, that it’s a wise man who hears His words and does them. James now says that receiving the word of God, with a teachable spirit, and doing what it says, is the answer to enduring trials and to becoming a mature believer. The church contains those who attend and hear the word only, and disciples are those who are doers of the word. Being a doer of the word in our trials is evidence that we truly believe in and trust in the Lord and in His Word.