James 3:17–4:8

17 But sthe wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, twithout partiality uand without hypocrisy. 18 vNow the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Pride Promotes Strife

4 Where do 1wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure athat war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and 2war. 3Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 bYou ask and do not receive, cbecause you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. 4 4Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that dfriendship with the world is enmity with God? eWhoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, f“The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?

6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:

g“God resists the proud,

But gives grace to the humble.”

Humility Cures Worldliness

7 Therefore submit to God. hResist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 iDraw near to God and He will draw near to you. jCleanse your hands, you sinners; and kpurify your hearts, you double-minded.