Study Desk

James,^(a) a servant of God^(b) and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes^(c) scattered^(d) among the nations: Greetings.^(e)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,^(f)

because you know that the testing of your faith^(g) produces perseverance.^(h)

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature⁽ⁱ⁾ and complete, not lacking anything.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,^(j) who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.^(k)

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt,^(l) because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

Such a person is double-minded^(m) and unstable⁽ⁿ⁾ in all they do.

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.^(o)

But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower.^(p)

For the sun rises with scorching heat^(q) and withers^(r) the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.^(s) In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

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

When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;

but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own^(w) evil desire and enticed.

Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin;^(x) and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.^(y)

Don't be deceived,^(z) my dear brothers and sisters.^(aa)

Every good and perfect gift is from above,^(ab) coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,^(ac) who does not change^(ad) like shifting shadows.

He chose to give us birth^(ae) through the word of truth,^(af) that we might be a kind of firstfruits^(ag) of all he created.

My dear brothers and sisters,^(ah) take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak^(ai) and slow to become angry,

because human anger^(aj) does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

Therefore, get rid of^(ak) all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you,^(al) which can save you.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.^(am)

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror

and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom,^(an) and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.^(ao)

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues^(ap) deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after^(aq) orphans and widows^(ar) in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.^(as)