James 1:5-17

English Standard Version

^5 (A)If any of you lacks wisdom, ^(B)let him ask God, ^(C)who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ⁶ But ^(D)let him ask in faith, ^(E)with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like ^(F)a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; ^8 (G)he is a double-minded man, ^(H)unstable in all his ways.

⁹ Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, ¹⁰ and ^(I)the rich in his humiliation, because ^(J)like a flower of the grass^[a] he will pass away. ¹¹ For the sun rises with its scorching heat and ^(K)withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

^12 (L)Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive ^(M)the crown of life, ^(N)which God has promised to those who love him. ¹³ Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. ¹⁴ But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. ¹⁵ Then desire ^(O)when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and ^(P)sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

¹⁶ Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. ^17 (Q)Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from ^(R)the Father of lights, ^(S)with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.^[b]