Study Desk

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is ^(C1)from above, coming down from ^(C2)the Father of lights, ^(C3)with whom there is no variation or ^(F1)shifting shadow.

In the exercise of ^(C1)His will He ^(C2)gave us birth by ^(C3)the word of truth, so that we would be ^(F1)a kind of ^(C4)first fruits ^(F2)among His creatures.

^(F1)(C1)You know this, ^(C2)my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, ^(C3)slow to speak, and ^(C4)slow to anger;

for a man's ^(C1)anger does not bring about the righteousness of God.

Therefore, ^(C1)ridding yourselves of all filthiness and all ^(F1)that remains of wickedness, in ^(F2)humility receive ^(C2)the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.

^(C1)But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.

For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his ^(F1)natural face ^(C1)in a mirror;

for once he has looked at himself and gone away, ^(F1)he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.

But one who has looked intently at the perfect law, ^(C1)the law of freedom, and has continued in it, not having become a forgetful hearer but ^(F1)an active doer, this person will be ^(C2)blessed in ^(F2)what he does.

If anyone thinks himself to be religious, yet does not ^(F1)(C1)bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this person's religion is worthless.

Pure and undefiled religion ^(C1)in the sight of our God and Father is this: to ^(C2)visit ^(C3)orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained ^(F1)by ^(C4)the world.