James 1:8-21

Christian Standard Bible

⁸ being double-minded and unstable in all his ways.^[a](A)

⁹ Let the brother of humble circumstances boast in his exaltation, ¹⁰ but let the rich boast in his humiliation because he will pass away like a flower of the field.^{(B) 11} For the sun rises and, together with the scorching wind, dries up the grass; its flower falls off, and its beautiful appearance perishes. In the same way, the rich person will wither away while pursuing his activities.^(C)

¹² Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown^(D) of life that God^[b] has promised to those who love him.^(E)

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

¹⁶ Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.^{(H) 17} Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.^{(I) 18} By his own choice, he gave us birth by the word of truth so that we would be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.^(J)

Hearing and Doing the Word

¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,^{(K) 20} for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. ²¹ Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent,^[c] humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.^(L)