James 1:12-21

English Standard Version

¹²^(A)Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive ^(B)the crown of life, ^(C)which God has promised to those who love him. ¹³Let 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. ¹⁴But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. ¹⁵Then desire ^(D)when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and ^(E)sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

¹⁶Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. ¹⁷^(F)Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from ^(G)the Father of lights, ^(H)with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.^[a] ¹⁸^(I)Of his own will he ^(J)brought us forth by the word of truth, ^(K)that we should be a kind of ^(L)firstfruits of his creatures.

Hearing and Doing the Word

¹⁹^(M)Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person ^(N)be quick to hear, ^(O)slow to speak, ^(P)slow to anger; ²⁰for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. ²¹Therefore ^(Q)put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with ^(R)meekness the implanted word, ^(S)which is able to save your souls.