Or do you think it’s without reason that the Scripture says: The spirit he made to dwell in us envies intensely?[a](A)

But he gives greater grace. Therefore he says:

God resists the proud
but gives grace to the humble.[b](B)

Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.(C) Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.(D) Be miserable and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.(E) 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 4:5 Or Scripture says: He jealously yearns for the spirit he made to live in us?, or Scripture says: The Spirit he made to dwell in us longs jealously?
  2. 4:6 Pr 3:34

Do you think the Scriptures have no meaning? They say that God is passionate that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him.[a] And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say,

“God opposes the proud
    but gives grace to the humble.”[b]

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 4:5 Or They say that the spirit God has placed within us is filled with envy; or They say that the Holy Spirit, whom God has placed within us, opposes our envy.
  2. 4:6 Prov 3:34 (Greek version).