Things to Avoid

1 1What is the source of quarrels and aconflicts among you? 2Is not the source your pleasures that wage bwar in your members?

2 You lust and do not have; so you acommit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask.

3 You ask and ado not receive, because you ask 1with wrong motives, so that you may spend it 2on your pleasures.

4 You aadulteresses, do you not know that friendship with bthe world is chostility toward God? dTherefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

5 Or do you think that the Scripture aspeaks to no purpose: “1He 2jealously desires bthe Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”?

6 But aHe gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “bGod is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

7 aSubmit therefore to God. bResist the devil and he will flee from you.

8 aDraw near to God and He will draw near to you. bCleanse your hands, you sinners; and cpurify your hearts, you ddouble-minded.

9 aBe miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom.

10 aHumble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.