The Fruit of Righteousness in James: A Study in Discourse Analysis 105 the negative tone in 5,1-6 to positive in 5,7; (2) the parallelism with the introductory paragraphs in 1,2-18, since both pronounce blessing on those who endure; and (3) the influence of Francis, who argued that discussion about eschatology often signaled NT epistles’ conclusions. Interpreters, however, have by no means reached a consensus regarding the location of James’ conclusion. Johnson suggests that 5,7-11 stands as a distinct unit and that 5,12 serves as a transition to the letter’s conclusion60, which consists of 5,13-20 and focuses on the theme of proper speech among believers61. Other interpreters regard 5,7-11 as connected to the previous material in 4,1 – 5,6, and the conclusion’s beginning as being located in either vv. 12 or 1362. Our conclusion is somewhat of a blend of these positions: 5,7-8 is related to the previous section and forms its final paragraph; 5,9-20 serves as the body-conclusion, which is comprised of two paragraphs and focuses on the gracious promise of salvation. Thus, after the negative, judgmental tone occurring in the second half of the Epistle (4,1 – 5,8), occurs the conclusive, positive word of reconciliation; “to the menace of judgment responds the promise of salvation”63. 2.2.3.1 Those Who Fail to Repent from Unrighteous Actions Will Face Judgment (5,9-12) In the first paragraph of the body-conclusion (5,9-12), James instructs believers about actions from which they should abstain in order to avoid the judgment he has so strongly warned against in his Epistle. Significantly, James warns them to abstain from sins of the tongue, thereby recapitulating a major theme from the letter-body64. This 60 There is great discussion regarding 5,12. Many see the verse as somewhat random and unrelated to its surrounding context, e.g., Dibelius, James, 248; Adamson, James, 193; Mußner, Jakobus, 211. An increasingly popular interpretation takes 5,12 as a bridge verse — a proverbial transition — between 5,7-11 and 5,13-18; see e.g., McCartney, James, 239; Bauckham, James, 64; Taylor, James, 120. Baker, noting James’ continual focus on speech, argues that the prohibition of oaths in 5,12 introduced by πρὸ πάντων is James’ most important point in the letter (“‘Above All Else’: Contexts of the Call for Verbal Integrity in James 5,12”, JSNT 54 [1994] 57-71). 61 Johnson entitles the conclusion “Speech in the Assembly of Faith” (James, 325). Similarly, Bede said, “Because in the earlier parts of this letter our tongue is restrained from evil or useless speaking, fittingly is it made clear at the end what particularly we ought to be speaking” (Commentary on the Seven Catholic Epistles [trans. D. Hurst; Kalamazoo 1985] 64). 62 Moo, James, 230; Penner, Eschatology, 150; Verseput, “Genre”, 103, n. 20; and Mußner, Jakobusbrief, 199, who states that the connection between 5,1-6, which warns the rich, and 5,7-11, which points to the Lord’s coming, is very close. 63 Amphoux, “Systèmes anciens de division de l’épître de Jacques et composition littéraire”, Bib 62 (1981) 398 (author’s trans.). 64 Baker, “Above All Else”, 57-71.