⁹ Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.^{(A) 10} But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower.^{(B) 11} For the sun rises with scorching heat^(C) and withers^(D) the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.^(E) In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

¹² Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial^(F) because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life^(G) that the Lord has promised to those who love him.^(H)

¹³ When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; ¹⁴ but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own^(I) evil desire and enticed. ¹⁵ Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin;^(J) and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.^(K)

¹⁶ Don’t be deceived,^(L) my dear brothers and sisters.^{(M) 17} Every good and perfect gift is from above,^(N) coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,^(O) who does not change^(P) like shifting shadows. ¹⁸ He chose to give us birth^(Q) through the word of truth,^(R) that we might be a kind of firstfruits^(S) of all he created.

Listening and Doing

¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters,^(T) take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak^(U) and slow to become angry, ²⁰ because human anger^(V) does not produce the righteousness that God desires. ²¹ Therefore, get rid of^(W) all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you,^(X) which can save you.

²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.^{(Y) 23} Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom,^(Z) and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.^(AA)