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Hebrews 12-13
New American Standard Bible

Jesus, the Example

12 Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s (A)rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s (B)run with (C)endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking only at Jesus, the [a](D)originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him (E)endured the cross, (F)despising the shame, and has (G)sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For (H)consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary [b](I)and lose heart.

A Father’s Discipline

4 (J)You have not yet resisted [c](K)to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; 5 and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons,

“(L)My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
Nor (M)faint when you are punished by Him;
6 (N)For (O)whom the Lord loves He disciplines,
And He punishes every son whom He accepts.”

7 It is for discipline that you endure; (P)God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 But if you are without discipline, (Q)of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we had [d]earthly fathers to discipline us, and we (R)respected them; shall we not much more be subject to (S)the Father of [e]spirits, and (T)live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, (U)so that we may share His holiness. 11 (V)For the moment, all discipline seems not to be pleasant, but painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterward it yields the (W)peaceful fruit of righteousness.

12 Therefore, [f](X)strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, 13 and (Y)make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is impaired may not be dislocated, but rather (Z)be healed.

14 (AA)Pursue peace with all people, and the (AB)holiness without which no one will (AC)see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one (AD)comes short of the grace of God; that no (AE)root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many become (AF)defiled; 16 that there be no (AG)sexually immoral or (AH)godless person like Esau, (AI)who sold his own birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that even afterward, (AJ)when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.

Contrast of Sinai and Zion

18 (AK)For you have not come to (AL)a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, 19 and to the (AM)blast of a trumpet and the (AN)sound of words, which sound was such that those who heard (AO)begged that no further word be spoken to them. 20 For they could not [g]cope with the command, “(AP)If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” 21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, “(AQ)I am terrified and trembling.” 22 But (AR)you have come to Mount Zion and to (AS)the city of (AT)the living God, (AU)the heavenly Jerusalem, and to (AV)myriads of [h]angels, 23 to the general assembly and (AW)church of the firstborn who (AX)are enrolled in heaven, and to God, (AY)the Judge of all, and to the (AZ)spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the (BA)mediator of a new covenant, and to the (BB)sprinkled blood, which speaks better than (BC)the blood of Abel.

The Unshaken Kingdom

25 (BD)See to it that you do not refuse Him who is (BE)speaking. For (BF)if those did not escape when they (BG)refused him who (BH)warned them on earth, [i]much less will we escape who turn away from Him who (BI)warns us from heaven. 26 And (BJ)His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “(BK)Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven.” 27 This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes (BL)the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we receive a (BM)kingdom which cannot be shaken, let’s [j]show gratitude, by which we may (BN)offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; 29 for (BO)our God is a consuming fire.

The Changeless Christ

13 Let (BP)love of the brothers and sisters continue. 2 Do not neglect (BQ)hospitality to strangers, for by this some have (BR)entertained angels without knowing it. 3 (BS)Remember (BT)the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are badly treated, since you yourselves also are in the body. 4 (BU)Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; (BV)for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers. 5 Make sure that your character is (BW)free from the love of money, (BX)being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “(BY)I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you,” 6 so that we confidently say,

“(BZ)The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.
What will man do to me?”

7 Remember (CA)those who led you, who spoke (CB)the word of God to you; and considering the [k]result of their way of life, (CC)imitate their faith. 8 (CD)Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever. 9 (CE)Do not be misled by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to (CF)be strengthened by grace, not by (CG)foods, (CH)through which those who [l]were so occupied were not benefited. 10 We have an altar (CI)from which those (CJ)who serve the [m]tabernacle have no right to eat. 11 For (CK)the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the Holy Place by the high priest as an offering for sin are burned outside the camp. 12 Therefore Jesus also suffered (CL)outside the gate, (CM)that He might sanctify the people (CN)through His own blood. 13 So then, let us go out to Him outside the camp, (CO)bearing His reproach. 14 For here (CP)we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking (CQ)the city which is to come.

God-pleasing Sacrifices

15 (CR)Through Him then, let’s continually offer up a (CS)sacrifice of praise to God, that is, (CT)the fruit of lips praising His name. 16 And do not neglect doing good and (CU)sharing, for (CV)with such sacrifices God is pleased.

17 (CW)Obey your leaders and submit to them—for (CX)they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account—so that they may do this with joy, not [n]groaning; for this would be unhelpful for you.

18 (CY)Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a (CZ)good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things. 19 And I urge you all the more to do this, (DA)so that I may be restored to you more quickly.

Benediction

20 Now may (DB)the God of peace, who (DC)brought up from the dead the (DD)great Shepherd of the sheep [o]through (DE)the blood of the (DF)eternal covenant, that is, Jesus our Lord, 21 (DG)equip you in every good thing to do His will, (DH)working in us that (DI)which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, (DJ)to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

22 But (DK)I urge you, (DL)brothers and sisters, [p]listen patiently to [q]this (DM)word of exhortation, for (DN)I have written to you briefly. 23 Know that (DO)our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you. 24 Greet (DP)all of your leaders and all the [r](DQ)saints. Those from (DR)Italy greet you.

25 (DS)Grace be with you all.

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 12:2 Or leader
  2. Hebrews 12:3 Lit fainting in your souls
  3. Hebrews 12:4 Lit as far as blood
  4. Hebrews 12:9 Lit fathers of our flesh
  5. Hebrews 12:9 Or our spirits
  6. Hebrews 12:12 Lit make straight
  7. Hebrews 12:20 Lit bear
  8. Hebrews 12:22 Or angels in festive gathering, and to the church
  9. Hebrews 12:25 Lit much rather we will not escape...
  10. Hebrews 12:28 Lit have
  11. Hebrews 13:7 Or end of their life
  12. Hebrews 13:9 Lit walked
  13. Hebrews 13:10 Or sacred tent
  14. Hebrews 13:17 Or sighing
  15. Hebrews 13:20 Lit in
  16. Hebrews 13:22 Or listen to
  17. Hebrews 13:22 Lit the
  18. Hebrews 13:24 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
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Hebrews 12-13
New International Version

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run(A) with perseverance(B) the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus,(C) the pioneer(D) and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,(E) scorning its shame,(F) and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.(G) 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary(H) and lose heart.

God Disciplines His Children

4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.(I) 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
    and do not lose heart(J) when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,(K)
    and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”[a](L)

7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.(M) For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline(N)—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits(O) and live!(P) 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.(Q) 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace(R) for those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.(S) 13 “Make level paths for your feet,”[b](T) so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.(U)

Warning and Encouragement

14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone(V) and to be holy;(W) without holiness no one will see the Lord.(X) 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God(Y) and that no bitter root(Z) grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 See that no one is sexually immoral,(AA) or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.(AB) 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears,(AC) he could not change what he had done.

The Mountain of Fear and the Mountain of Joy

18 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm;(AD) 19 to a trumpet blast(AE) or to such a voice speaking words(AF) that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them,(AG) 20 because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.”[c](AH) 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”[d](AI)

22 But you have come to Mount Zion,(AJ) to the city(AK) of the living God,(AL) the heavenly Jerusalem.(AM) You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn,(AN) whose names are written in heaven.(AO) You have come to God, the Judge of all,(AP) to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,(AQ) 24 to Jesus the mediator(AR) of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood(AS) that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.(AT)

25 See to it that you do not refuse(AU) him who speaks.(AV) If they did not escape when they refused him who warned(AW) them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?(AX) 26 At that time his voice shook the earth,(AY) but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”[e](AZ) 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken(BA)—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.

28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken,(BB) let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,(BC) 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”[f](BD)

Concluding Exhortations

13 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.(BE) 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers,(BF) for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.(BG) 3 Continue to remember those in prison(BH) as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

4 Marriage should be honored by all,(BI) and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.(BJ) 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money(BK) and be content with what you have,(BL) because God has said,

“Never will I leave you;
    never will I forsake you.”[g](BM)

6 So we say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?”[h](BN)

7 Remember your leaders,(BO) who spoke the word of God(BP) to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate(BQ) their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.(BR)

9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.(BS) It is good for our hearts to be strengthened(BT) by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods,(BU) which is of no benefit to those who do so.(BV) 10 We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle(BW) have no right to eat.(BX)

11 The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering,(BY) but the bodies are burned outside the camp.(BZ) 12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate(CA) to make the people holy(CB) through his own blood.(CC) 13 Let us, then, go to him(CD) outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore.(CE) 14 For here we do not have an enduring city,(CF) but we are looking for the city that is to come.(CG)

15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice(CH) of praise—the fruit of lips(CI) that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others,(CJ) for with such sacrifices(CK) God is pleased.

17 Have confidence in your leaders(CL) and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you(CM) as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

18 Pray for us.(CN) We are sure that we have a clear conscience(CO) and desire to live honorably in every way. 19 I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.(CP)

Benediction and Final Greetings

20 Now may the God of peace,(CQ) who through the blood of the eternal covenant(CR) brought back from the dead(CS) our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,(CT) 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will,(CU) and may he work in us(CV) what is pleasing to him,(CW) through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.(CX)

22 Brothers and sisters, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you quite briefly.(CY)

23 I want you to know that our brother Timothy(CZ) has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.

24 Greet all your leaders(DA) and all the Lord’s people. Those from Italy(DB) send you their greetings.

25 Grace be with you all.(DC)

Footnotes

  1. Hebrews 12:6 Prov. 3:11,12 (see Septuagint)
  2. Hebrews 12:13 Prov. 4:26
  3. Hebrews 12:20 Exodus 19:12,13
  4. Hebrews 12:21 See Deut. 9:19.
  5. Hebrews 12:26 Haggai 2:6
  6. Hebrews 12:29 Deut. 4:24
  7. Hebrews 13:5 Deut. 31:6
  8. Hebrews 13:6 Psalm 118:6,7
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James 1
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James 1-3
New American Standard Bible

The Testing of Your Faith

1 [a](A)James, a (B)bond-servant of God and (C)of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To (D)the twelve tribes who are [b](E)dispersed abroad: (F)Greetings.

2 (G)Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter (H)various [c]trials, 3 knowing that (I)the testing of your (J)faith produces [d](K)endurance. 4 And let [e](L)endurance have its perfect [f]result, so that you may be [g](M)perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

5 But if any of you (N)lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and [h]without reproach, and (O)it will be given to him. 6 But he must (P)ask in faith (Q)without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, (R)driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a (S)[i]double-minded man, (T)unstable in all his ways.

9 (U)Now the brother or sister of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; 10 but the rich person is to glory in his [j]humiliation, because (V)like [k]flowering grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with (W)its scorching heat and (X)withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so also the rich person, in the midst of his pursuits, will die out.

12 (Y)Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has [l]been approved, he will receive (Z)the crown of life which the Lord (AA)has promised to those who (AB)love Him. 13 No one is to say when he is tempted, “(AC)I am being tempted [m]by God”; for God cannot be tempted [n]by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then (AD)when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and (AE)sin, when it has run its course, brings forth death. 16 (AF)Do not be [o]deceived, (AG)my beloved brothers and sisters. 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is (AH)from above, coming down from (AI)the Father of lights, (AJ)with whom there is no variation or [p]shifting shadow. 18 In the exercise of (AK)His will He (AL)gave us birth by (AM)the word of truth, so that we would be [q]a kind of (AN)first fruits [r]among His creatures.

19 [s](AO)You know this, (AP)my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, (AQ)slow to speak, and (AR)slow to anger; 20 for a man’s (AS)anger does not bring about the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore, (AT)ridding yourselves of all filthiness and all [t]that remains of wickedness, in [u]humility receive (AU)the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. 22 (AV)But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his [v]natural face (AW)in a mirror; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, [w]he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 25 But one who has looked intently at the perfect law, (AX)the law of freedom, and has continued in it, not having become a forgetful hearer but [x]an active doer, this person will be (AY)blessed in [y]what he does.

26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, yet does not [z](AZ)bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this person’s religion is worthless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion (BA)in the sight of our God and Father is this: to (BB)visit (BC)orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained [aa]by (BD)the world.

The Sin of Partiality

2 (BE)My brothers and sisters, (BF)do not hold your faith in our (BG)glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of (BH)personal favoritism. 2 For if a man comes into your [ab]assembly with a gold ring and is dressed in (BI)bright clothes, and a poor man in (BJ)dirty clothes also comes in, 3 and you [ac]pay special attention to the one who is wearing the (BK)bright clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges (BL)with evil [ad]motives? 5 Listen, (BM)my beloved brothers and sisters: did (BN)God not choose the poor [ae]of this world to be (BO)rich in faith and (BP)heirs of the kingdom which He (BQ)promised to those who love Him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and [af]personally (BR)drag you into [ag]court? 7 (BS)Do they not blaspheme the good name [ah]by which you have been called?

8 If, however, you (BT)are fulfilling the [ai]royal law according to the Scripture, “(BU)You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9 But if you (BV)show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the Law as violators. 10 For whoever keeps the whole Law, yet (BW)stumbles in one point, has become (BX)guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “(BY)Do not commit adultery,” also said, “(BZ)Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but do murder, you have become a violator of the Law. 12 So speak, and so act, as those who are to be judged by (CA)the law of freedom. 13 For (CB)judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy [aj]triumphs over judgment.

Faith and Works

14 (CC)What use is it, (CD)my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can [ak]that faith save him? 15 (CE)If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “(CF)Go in peace, [al]be warmed and be filled,” yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? 17 In the same way, (CG)faith also, if it has no works, is [am]dead, being by itself.

18 (CH)But someone [an]may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your (CI)faith without the works, and I will (CJ)show you my faith (CK)by my works.” 19 You believe that [ao](CL)God is one. (CM)You do well; (CN)the demons also believe, and shudder. 20 But are you willing to acknowledge, (CO)you foolish person, that (CP)faith without works is useless? 21 (CQ)Was our father Abraham not justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that (CR)faith was working with his works, and [ap]as a result of the (CS)works, faith was [aq]perfected; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “(CT)And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a (CU)friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was (CV)Rahab the prostitute not justified by works also (CW)when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also (CX)faith without works is dead.

The Tongue Is a Fire

3 (CY)Do not become teachers in large numbers, (CZ)my brothers, since you know that we who are teachers will incur a [ar]stricter judgment. 2 For we all (DA)stumble in many ways. (DB)If anyone does not stumble in [as]what he says, he is a (DC)perfect man, able to [at](DD)rein in the whole body as well. 3 Now (DE)if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their whole body as well. 4 Look at the ships too: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are nevertheless directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot determines. 5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it (DF)boasts of great things.

(DG)See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! 6 And (DH)the tongue is a fire, the very world of unrighteousness; the tongue is set among [au]our body’s parts as that which (DI)defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of our [av]life, and is set on fire by [aw](DJ)hell. 7 For every [ax]species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human [ay]race. 8 But no one among mankind can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of (DK)deadly poison. 9 With it we bless (DL)our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, (DM)who have been made in the likeness of God; 10 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way. 11 Does a spring send out from the same opening both [az]fresh and bitter water? 12 (DN)Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, bear olives, or a vine bear figs? Nor can salt water produce [ba]fresh.

Wisdom from Above

13 Who among you is wise and understanding? (DO)Let him show by his (DP)good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter (DQ)jealousy and [bb]selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against (DR)the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down (DS)from above, but is (DT)earthly, [bc](DU)natural, (DV)demonic. 16 For where (DW)jealousy and [bd]selfish ambition exist, [be]there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom (DX)from above is first (DY)pure, then (DZ)peace-loving, (EA)gentle, [bf]reasonable, (EB)full of mercy and good fruits, [bg](EC)impartial, free of (ED)hypocrisy. 18 And the (EE)fruit of righteousness is sown in peace [bh]by those who make peace.

Footnotes

  1. James 1:1 Or Jacob
  2. James 1:1 Lit in the Dispersion
  3. James 1:2 Or temptations
  4. James 1:3 Or steadfastness
  5. James 1:4 Or steadfastness
  6. James 1:4 Lit work
  7. James 1:4 Or mature
  8. James 1:5 Lit does not reproach
  9. James 1:8 I.e., a chronic doubter
  10. James 1:10 Or downfall
  11. James 1:10 Lit the flower of the grass
  12. James 1:12 Or passed the test
  13. James 1:13 Lit from
  14. James 1:13 Lit of evil things
  15. James 1:16 Or misled
  16. James 1:17 Lit shadow of turning
  17. James 1:18 Or a certain first fruits
  18. James 1:18 Lit of
  19. James 1:19 Or Know this
  20. James 1:21 Lit abundance of malice
  21. James 1:21 Or gentleness
  22. James 1:23 Lit the face of his birth; or nature
  23. James 1:24 Lit and he
  24. James 1:25 Lit a doer of a work
  25. James 1:25 Lit his doing
  26. James 1:26 Or control
  27. James 1:27 Lit from
  28. James 2:2 Or synagogue
  29. James 2:3 Lit look at
  30. James 2:4 Lit reasonings
  31. James 2:5 Lit to the
  32. James 2:6 Lit they themselves
  33. James 2:6 Lit courts
  34. James 2:7 Lit which has been called upon you
  35. James 2:8 Or law of our King
  36. James 2:13 Lit boasts against
  37. James 2:14 Lit the
  38. James 2:16 Or warm yourselves and fill yourselves
  39. James 2:17 Or dead by its own standards
  40. James 2:18 Lit will
  41. James 2:19 One early ms there is one God
  42. James 2:22 Or by the deeds
  43. James 2:22 Or completed
  44. James 3:1 Or greater condemnation; i.e., for erroneous doctrine
  45. James 3:2 Lit word
  46. James 3:2 Or hold in check
  47. James 3:6 Lit our parts
  48. James 3:6 Or existence, origin
  49. James 3:6 Gr Gehenna
  50. James 3:7 Lit nature
  51. James 3:7 Lit nature
  52. James 3:11 Lit sweet
  53. James 3:12 Lit sweet
  54. James 3:14 Or strife
  55. James 3:15 Or unspiritual
  56. James 3:16 Or strife
  57. James 3:16 I.e., in that place
  58. James 3:17 Or willing to yield
  59. James 3:17 Or unwavering
  60. James 3:18 Or for
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James 1-3
New International Version

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) 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt,(L) because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded(M) and unstable(N) in all they do.

9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.(O) 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower.(P) 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat(Q) and withers(R) the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.(S) In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial(T) because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life(U) that the Lord has promised to those who love him.(V)

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own(W) evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin;(X) and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.(Y)

16 Don’t be deceived,(Z) my dear brothers and sisters.(AA) 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above,(AB) coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,(AC) who does not change(AD) like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth(AE) through the word of truth,(AF) that we might be a kind of firstfruits(AG) of all he created.

Listening and Doing

19 My dear brothers and sisters,(AH) take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak(AI) and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger(AJ) does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of(AK) all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you,(AL) which can save you.

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.(AM) 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom,(AN) and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.(AO)

26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues(AP) deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after(AQ) orphans and widows(AR) in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.(AS)

Favoritism Forbidden

2 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious(AT) Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.(AU) 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges(AV) with evil thoughts?

5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters:(AW) Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world(AX) to be rich in faith(AY) and to inherit the kingdom(AZ) he promised those who love him?(BA) 6 But you have dishonored the poor.(BB) Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?(BC) 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?

8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,”[b](BD) you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism,(BE) you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.(BF) 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles(BG) at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.(BH) 11 For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,”[c](BI) also said, “You shall not murder.”[d](BJ) If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged(BK) by the law that gives freedom,(BL) 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.(BM) Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Faith and Deeds

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?(BN) Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.(BO) 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?(BP) 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.(BQ)

18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”

Show me your faith without deeds,(BR) and I will show you my faith(BS) by my deeds.(BT) 19 You believe that there is one God.(BU) Good! Even the demons believe that(BV)—and shudder.

20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[e]?(BW) 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?(BX) 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together,(BY) and his faith was made complete by what he did.(BZ) 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,”[f](CA) and he was called God’s friend.(CB) 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.

25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?(CC) 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.(CD)

Taming the Tongue

3 Not many of you should become teachers,(CE) my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged(CF) more strictly.(CG) 2 We all stumble(CH) in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say(CI) is perfect,(CJ) able to keep their whole body in check.(CK)

3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.(CL) 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.(CM) Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire,(CN) a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body,(CO) sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.(CP)

7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.(CQ)

9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.(CR) 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?(CS) Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Two Kinds of Wisdom

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it(CT) by their good life, by deeds(CU) done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition(CV) in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.(CW) 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven(CX) but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.(CY) 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition,(CZ) there you find disorder and every evil practice.

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven(DA) is first of all pure; then peace-loving,(DB) considerate, submissive, full of mercy(DC) and good fruit, impartial and sincere.(DD) 18 Peacemakers(DE) who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.(DF)

Footnotes

  1. James 1:2 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verses 16 and 19; and in 2:1, 5, 14; 3:10, 12; 4:11; 5:7, 9, 10, 12, 19.
  2. James 2:8 Lev. 19:18
  3. James 2:11 Exodus 20:14; Deut. 5:18
  4. James 2:11 Exodus 20:13; Deut. 5:17
  5. James 2:20 Some early manuscripts dead
  6. James 2:23 Gen. 15:6
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