6 As God’s co-workers^(A) we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.^{(B) 2} For he says,

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Paul’s Hardships

³ We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path,^(D) so that our ministry will not be discredited. ⁴ Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; ⁵ in beatings, imprisonments^(E) and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;^{(F) 6} in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit^(G) and in sincere love;^{(H) 7} in truthful speech^(I) and in the power of God;^(J) with weapons of righteousness^(K) in the right hand and in the left; ⁸ through glory and dishonor,^(L) bad report^(M) and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors;^{(N) 9} known, yet regarded as unknown; dying,^(O) and yet we live on;^(P) beaten, and yet not killed; ¹⁰ sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;^(Q) poor, yet making many rich;^(R) having nothing,^(S) and yet possessing everything.^(T)

1 James,^(A) a servant of God^(B) and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes^(C) scattered^(D) among the nations:

Greetings.^(E)

Trials and Temptations

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,^{(F) 3} because you know that the testing of your faith^(G) produces perseverance.^{(H) 4} Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature^(I) and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,^(J) who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.^(K)