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

Benediction and Final Greetings

²⁰ Now may the God of peace,^(D) who through the blood of the eternal covenant^(E) brought back from the dead^(F) our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,^{(G) 21} equip you with everything good for doing his will,^(H) and may he work in us^(I) what is pleasing to him,^(J) through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.^(K)

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

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

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

²⁵ Grace be with you all.^(P)

1 James,^(Q) a servant of God^(R) and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes^(S) scattered^(T) among the nations:

Greetings.^(U)

Trials and Temptations

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,^{(V) 3} because you know that the testing of your faith^(W) produces perseverance.^{(X) 4} Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature^(Y) and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,^(Z) who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.^{(AA) 6} But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt,^(AB) 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^(AC) and unstable^(AD) in all they do.

⁹ Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.^{(AE) 10} But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower.^{(AF) 11} For the sun rises with scorching heat^(AG) and withers^(AH) the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.^(AI) 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^(AJ) because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life^(AK) that the Lord has promised to those who love him.^(AL)

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^(AM) evil desire and enticed. ¹⁵ Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin;^(AN) and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.^(AO)

¹⁶ Don’t be deceived,^(AP) my dear brothers and sisters.^{(AQ) 17} Every good and perfect gift is from above,^(AR) coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,^(AS) who does not change^(AT) like shifting shadows. ¹⁸ He chose to give us birth^(AU) through the word of truth,^(AV) that we might be a kind of firstfruits^(AW) of all he created.