James 1:1–12

Greeting

1 James, a a * slave of God b and of the Lord Jesus Christ:

To the 12 tribes c in the Dispersion. d e

Greetings. f

Trials and Maturity

2 Consider it a great joy, my * brothers, whenever you experience various trials, g 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. h 6 But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 An indecisive i man is unstable in all his ways. j

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. k 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. l

12 A man who endures trials m is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown n of life that God o has promised to those who love Him. p