James 1:9-19

Holman Christian Standard Bible

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.^{(A) 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.^(B)

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

¹³ No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God is not tempted by evil,^[c] and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone. ¹⁴ But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires.^{(E) 15} Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.^(F)

¹⁶ Don’t be deceived, my dearly loved brothers.^{(G) 17} Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning.^{(H) 18} By His own choice, He gave us a new birth by the message of truth^[d] so that we would be the firstfruits of His creatures.^(I)

Hearing and Doing the Word

¹⁹ My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger,^(J)