James 1:2-18

Holman Christian Standard Bible

Trials and Maturity

² Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials,^{(A) 3} knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ⁴ But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

⁵ Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.^{(B) 6} But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ An indecisive^[a] man is unstable in all his ways.^(C)

⁹ The brother of humble circumstances should boast in his exaltation, ¹⁰ but the one who is rich should boast in his humiliation because he will pass away like a flower of the field.^{(D) 11} For the sun rises with its scorching heat and dries up the grass; its flower falls off, and its beautiful appearance is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will wither away while pursuing his activities.^(E)

¹² A man who endures trials^[b] is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown^(F) of life that God^[c] has promised to those who love Him.^(G)

¹³ No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God is not tempted by evil,^[d] and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone. ¹⁴ But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires.^{(H) 15} Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.^(I)

¹⁶ Don’t be deceived, my dearly loved brothers.^{(J) 17} Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning.^{(K) 18} By His own choice, He gave us a new birth by the message of truth^[e] so that we would be the firstfruits of His creatures.^(L)