Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit (A)that he has made to dwell in us”? But (B)he gives more grace. Therefore it says, (C)“God opposes the proud but (D)gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. (E)Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (F)Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. (G)Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and (H)purify your hearts, (I)you double-minded. (J)Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 (K)Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

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Or do you suppose that scripture is meaningless? Doesn’t God long for our faithfulness in[a] the life he has given to us?[b] But he gives us more grace. This is why it says, God stands against the proud, but favors the humble.[c] Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners. Purify your hearts, you double-minded. Cry out in sorrow, mourn, and weep! Let your laughter become mourning and your joy become sadness. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

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Footnotes

  1. James 4:5 Or jealously longs for
  2. James 4:5 Or Doesn’t the spirit that God placed in us have jealous desires?
  3. James 4:6 Prov 3:34