James 1:1-13

Holman Christian Standard Bible

Greeting

1 James,^(A) a slave of God^(B) and of the Lord Jesus Christ:

To the 12 tribes^(C) in the Dispersion.^[a](D)

Greetings.^(E)

Trials and Maturity

² Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials,^{(F) 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.^{(G) 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^[b] man is unstable in all his ways.^(H)

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.^{(I) 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.^(J)

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

¹³ No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God is not tempted by evil,^[e] and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone.