Or do you think that the Scripture (A)says to no purpose, “[a]He [b]jealously desires (B)the Spirit whom He has made to dwell in us”? But (C)He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “(D)God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (E)Submit therefore to God. But [c](F)resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (G)Come close to God and He will come close to you. (H)Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and (I)purify your hearts, you (J)[d]double-minded. (K)Be miserable, and mourn, and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into gloom. 10 (L)Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.

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Footnotes

  1. James 4:5 Or The spirit which He has made to dwell in us lusts with envy
  2. James 4:5 Lit desires to jealousy
  3. James 4:7 Or oppose
  4. James 4:8 I.e., chronic doubters

Or do you think that the Scripture says to no purpose [a]that the [human] spirit which He has made to dwell in us lusts with envy?(A) But He gives us more and more grace [through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation]. Therefore, it says, “God is opposed to the proud and haughty, but [continually] gives [the gift of] grace to the humble [who turn away from self-righteousness].”(B) So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people]. Be miserable and grieve and weep [over your sin]. Let your [foolish] laughter be turned to mourning and your [reckless] joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose].

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Footnotes

  1. James 4:5 This verse is difficult to translate, and it seems that James is paraphrasing or generalizing a scriptural concept rather than quoting directly from the Old Testament.