James 1 Commentary

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See also Overview Chart by Charles Swindoll

JAMES Faith for Living
Motives for Works	The Place of Works: Outward Demonstration of Inner Faith						Outreach of Works
Jas 1:1-18	Jas 1:19-2:13		Jas 2:14-25	Jas 3:1-12	Jas 3:13-4:12	Jas 4:13-5:12	Jas 5:13-19
Trials & Temptations	Word & Works		Faith & Works	Tongue	Wars	Future	Others
Faith In Testings	Fulfill	Favor	Fallacy	Fountain	Factions	Faith and the Future	Faith and our Fellowship
	FAITH AT WORK

James 1:1 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. (NASB: Lockman)

GNT   Ἰάκωβος θεοῦ καὶ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ δοῦλος ταῖς δώδεκα φυλαῖς ταῖς ἐν τῇ διασπορᾷ χαίρειν.

Amplified: JAMES, A servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered abroad [among the Gentiles in the dispersion]: Greetings (rejoice)! (Amplified Bible - Lockman)|

ESV  James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.

NET   From James, a slave of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings!

KJV  James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

NIV  James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.

NKJ  James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.

NRS James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.

NLT   This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.I am writing to the "twelve tribes"-- Jewish believers scattered abroad.Greetings! (Revised)

NLT: This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is written to Jewish Christians scattered among the nations. Greetings! (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: James, servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, sends greetings to the twelve dispersed tribes. (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: James, a bondslave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes, those in the dispersion. Be constantly rejoicing.

Young's Literal: James, of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ a servant, to the Twelve Tribes who are in the dispersion: Hail!

• James - Matthew 10:3; 13:55; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13; 12:17; 15:13; 21:18; Galatians 1:19; 2:9,12; Jude 1:1)
• Servant - John 12:26; Romans 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Titus 1:1; 2 Peter 1:1
• To the twelve tribes Exodus 24:4; 28:21; 39:14; 1 Kings 18:31; Ezra 6:17; Matthew 19:28; Acts 26:7; Revelation 7:4
• Dispersed - Leviticus 26:33; Deuteronomy 4:27; 28:64; 30:3; 32:26; Esther 3:8; Ezekiel 12:15; John 7:35; Acts 2:5; 8:1; 15:21; 1 Peter 1:1
• Greetings - Acts 15:23; 23:26; 2 Timothy 4:21
• James 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

Click here for in depth comments on James 1:1

James 1:2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, (NASB: Lockman)

GNT  Πᾶσαν χαρὰν ἡγήσασθε, ἀδελφοί μου, ὅταν πειρασμοῖς περιπέσητε ποικίλοις,

Amplified: Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

Barclay: My brothers, reckon it all joy whenever you become involved in all kinds of testings,

ESV: Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds

KJV: My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

ICB: My brothers, you will have many kinds of troubles. But when these things happen, you should be very happy

Montgomery: My brothers, when you are beset by various temptations, count it all joy,

NET: My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials

NLT: Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives my brothers, don't resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: Be constantly rejoicing. Consider it a matter for unadulterated joy whenever you fall into the midst of variegated trials which surround you,

Weymouth: Reckon it nothing but joy, my brethren, whenever you find yourselves hedged in by various trials.

Young's Literal: All joy count it, my brethren, when ye may fall into temptations manifold;

• Consider (count - KJV) - Jas 1:12; Mt 5:10, 11, 12; Lk 6:22,23; Ac 5:41; Ro 8:17,18,35, 36, 37; 2Co 12:9; 2Co 12:10; Php 1:29; 2:17; Col 1:24; He 10:34; 1Pe 4:13, 14, 15, 16
• Various trials - Heb 11:36-38 1Pe 1:6-8 2Pe 2:9 Rev 2:10 
• James 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

Click here for in depth comments on James 1:2

James 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  (NASB: Lockman)

BGT  γινώσκοντες ὅτι τὸ δοκίμιον ὑμῶν τῆς πίστεως κατεργάζεται ὑπομονήν.

NET  because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

NLT  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. (Revised)

ESV   for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

ASV   Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience.

CSB   knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

NIV  because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

NKJ   knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

Amplified: Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

Barclay: for you are well aware that the testing of your faith produces unswerving constancy. (Daily Study Bible)

KJV: Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

NLT: For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: Realise that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance. (Phillips: Touchstone)

WBC: in the knowledge that the testing of your faith produces patient endurance.

Wuest: knowing experientially that the approving of your faith, that faith having been put to the test for the purpose of being approved, and having met the test, has been approved, produces a patience which bears up and does not lose heart or courage under trials.

Young's Literal: knowing that the proof of your faith doth work endurance,

• Knowing that - Romans 5:3,4; 8:28; 2Co 4:17
• Produces endurance - Ro 2:7; 8:25; 15:4; Col 1:11; 2Th 1:4; 3:5; Heb 10:36; 12:1; 2Pe 1:6
• James 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

Click here for in depth comments on James 1:3

James 1:4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (NASB: Lockman)

Amplified: But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

NET   And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything.

GNT  ἡ δὲ ὑπομονὴ ἔργον τέλειον ἐχέτω, ἵνα ἦτε τέλειοι καὶ ὁλόκληροι ἐν μηδενὶ λειπόμενοι.

NLT   So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. (Revised)

ESV   And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

ASV   And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing.

CSB   But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

NIV   Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

NKJ   But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

NRS   and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.

Barclay: And let constancy go on to work out its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, deficient in nothing. (Daily Study Bible)

KJV: But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

NLT: So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: But let the process go on until that endurance is fully developed, and you will find you have become men of mature character with the right sort of independence. (Phillips: Touchstone)

WBC: Let endurance yield its complete work so that you may be complete and blameless with no deficiency at all.

Wuest: But be allowing the aforementioned patience to be having its complete work in order that you may be spiritually mature and complete in every detail, lacking in nothing.

Young's Literal: and let the endurance have a perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire--in nothing lacking;

• Let endurance have James 5:7, 8, 9, 10, 11; Job 17:9; Ps 37:7; 40:1; Hab 2:3; Mt 10:22; Lk 8:15; 21:19; Gal 6:9
• Its perfect result - Jas 3:2; Pr 4:8; Mt 5:48; Jn 17:23; 1Co 2:6; Php 3:12, 13, 14, 15; Col 4:12; 2Ti 3:17; Heb 13:21; 1Pe 5:10; 1Jn 4:17,18
• Lacking in nothing - Jas 1:5; Mt 19:20; Mk 10:21; Lk 18:22; 2Pe 1:9
• James 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

Click here for in depth comments on James 1:4

James 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (NASB: Lockman)

Amplified: If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

NET  But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him.

GNT Εἰ δέ τις ὑμῶν λείπεται σοφίας, αἰτείτω παρὰ τοῦ διδόντος θεοῦ πᾶσιν ἁπλῶς καὶ μὴ ὀνειδίζοντος καὶ δοθήσεται αὐτῷ.

NLT  If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. (Revised)

ESV  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

ASV  But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

CSB  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.

NIV  If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

NKJ  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

NRS  If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.

KJV: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

NLT: If youDoubleQuote need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: And if, in the process, any of you does not know how to meet any particular problem he has only to ask God - who gives generously to all men without making them feel foolish or guilty - and he may be quite sure that the necessary wisdom will be given him. (Phillips: Touchstone)

WBC: But if there is one among you who does lack wisdom, let such a person ask from God who gives to all without hesitation or recrimination, and he will give it.”

Wuest: And if, as is the case, anyone of you is deficient in wisdom, let him keep on presenting his request in the presence of the giving God who gives to all with simplicity and without reserve, and who does not reproach, and it shall be given him. 

Young's Literal: and if any of you do lack wisdom, let him ask from God, who is giving to all liberally, and not reproaching, and it shall be given to him;

• If any of you lacks wisdom - Ex 31:3,6; 36:1, 2, 3, 4; 1Ki 3:7, 8, 9,11,12; Job 28:12-28; Pr 3:5, 6, 7; 9:4, 56; Je 1:6,7; 2Co 2:16
• Let him ask - Jas 1:17; 3:17; 5:16; 1Chr 22:12; 2Chr 1:10; Pr 2:3, 4, 5, 6; Is 55:6,7; Je 29:12; Je 29:13; Da 2:18, 19, 20, 21, 22; Mt 7:7, 8, 9, 10, 11; Lk 11:9, 10, 11, 12, 13; Jn 4:10; 14:13; 15:7; Jn 16:23,24; 1Jn 3:22; 5:14,15
• Without reproach  Mt 11:20 Mk 16:14 Lu 15:20-22 
• James 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

Click here for in depth comments on James 1:5

James 1:6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. (NASB: Lockman)

Amplified: Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

NET  But he must ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed around by the wind.

GNT  αἰτείτω δὲ ἐν πίστει μηδὲν διακρινόμενος· ὁ γὰρ διακρινόμενος ἔοικεν κλύδωνι θαλάσσης ἀνεμιζομένῳ καὶ ῥιπιζομένῳ.

NLT  But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.

ESV  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

ASV But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting: for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed.

CSB But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

NIV  But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

NKJ  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

NRS  But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind;

KJV: But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

NLT: But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: But he must ask in sincere faith without secret doubts as to whether he really wants God's help or not. The man who trusts God, but with inward reservations, is like a wave of the sea, carried forward by the wind one moment and driven back the next. (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: But let him be presenting his request in a trusting attitude, not in an expression of that hesitation which vacillates, for the person who vacillates is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind; 

WBC: Let the asking, however, be accompanied with faith, and no doubting: for the doubter is like the billowing sea driven by the wind and tossed about.

Young's Literal: and let him ask in faith, nothing doubting, for he who is doubting hath been like a wave of the sea, driven by wind and tossed,

• Ask in faith - Mt 21:22; Mk 11:22, 23, 24; 1Ti 2:8; He 11:6
• The one who doubts - Ge 49:4; Ep 4:14; He 10:23; 13:9; 2Pe 2:17; Jude 1:12,13
• James 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

Click here for in depth comments on James 1:6

James 1:7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, (NASB: Lockman)

Amplified: For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything [he asks for] from the Lord, (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

NET  For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord,

GNT   μὴ γὰρ οἰέσθω ὁ ἄνθρωπος ἐκεῖνος ὅτι λήμψεταί τι παρὰ τοῦ κυρίου,

NLT   Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. (Revised)

ESV  For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;

ASV  For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord;

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

NIV  That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord;

NKJ   For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;

NRS  for the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

KJV: For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

NLT: People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: That sort of man cannot hope to receive anything from God, (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: for let not that individual be supposing that he shall receive anything from the presence of the Lord,

Young's Literal: for let not that man suppose that he shall receive anything from the Lord--

• Jas 4:3; Pr 15:8; 21:27; Isa 1:15; Isa 58:3,4
• James 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

Click here for in depth comments on James 1:7

James 1:8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (NASB: Lockman)

Amplified: [For being as he is] a man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), [he is] unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything [he thinks, feels, decides]. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

NET  since he is a double-minded individual, unstable in all his ways.

GNT   ἀνὴρ δίψυχος, ἀκατάστατος ἐν πάσαις ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτοῦ.

ESV  he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

ASV  a doubleminded man, unstable in all his ways.

CSB  An indecisive man is unstable in all his ways.

NIV  he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

NKJ  he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

NRS   for the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 

KJV: A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

NLT: They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: and the life of a man of divided loyalty will reveal instability at every turn. (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: a dubious, undecided man, vacillating in all his ways.

Young's Literal: a two-souled man is unstable in all his ways.

• Jas 4:8; 1Ki 18:21; 2Ki 17:33,41; Is 29:13; Ho 7:8, 9, 10, 11; 10:2; Mt 6:22,24; 2Pe 2:14; 3:16
• James 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

Click here for in depth comments on James 1:8

James 1:9 But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; (NASB: Lockman)

Amplified: Let the brother in humble circumstances glory in his elevation [as a Christian, called to the true riches and to be an heir of God], (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

NET  Now the believer of humble means should take pride in his high position.

GNT Καυχάσθω δὲ ὁ ἀδελφὸς ὁ ταπεινὸς ἐν τῷ ὕψει αὐτοῦ,

NLT  Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. (Revised)

KJV Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:

ESV  Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,

ASV  But let the brother of low degree glory in his high estate:

CSB The brother of humble circumstances should boast in his exaltation,

NIV   The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.

NKJ  Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation,

NRS  Let the believer who is lowly boast in being raised up,

NLT: Christians who are poor should be glad, for God has honored them. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: The brother who is poor may be glad because God has called him to the true riches. (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: Moreover, let the brother who is in lowly circumstances be glorying in his exalted position. 

Young's Literal: And let the brother who is low rejoice in his exaltation,

• But the brother of humble circumstances - James 2:5,6; Deut 15:7,9,11; Ps 62:9; Pr 17:5; 19:1; Lk 1:52
• Glory - Jer 9:23,24; Ro 5:2,3; Phil 3:3
• In high position - James 2:5; 1Sa 2:8; Ps 113:7,8; Lk 9:48; 10:20; Ro 8:17; 2Co 6:10; Php 3:14; 1Pe 2:9; 1Jn 3:1, 2, 3; Re 2:9; 5:9,10; 7:9,10
• James 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

Click here for in depth comments on James 1:9

James 1:10 and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. (NASB: Lockman)

Amplified: And the rich [person ought to glory] in being humbled [by being shown his human frailty], because like the flower of the grass he will pass away. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

NET  But the rich person's pride should be in his humiliation, because he will pass away like a wildflower in the meadow.

GNT  ὁ δὲ πλούσιος ἐν τῇ ταπεινώσει αὐτοῦ, ὅτι ὡς ἄνθος χόρτου παρελεύσεται.

NLT  And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. (Revised)

ESV  and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away.

ASV  and the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

CSB  but the one who is rich should boast in his humiliation because he will pass away like a flower of the field.

NIV  But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.

NKJ  but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away.

NRS  and the rich in being brought low, because the rich will disappear like a flower in the field.

KJV: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

NLT: And those who are rich should be glad, for God has humbled them. They will fade away like a flower in the field. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: The rich may be glad that God has shown him his spiritual poverty. For the rich man, as such, will wither away as surely as summer flowers. (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: But the one who is wealthy, let him be glorying in his humiliation, because as the flower of the grass he shall come to an end

Young's Literal: and the rich in his becoming low, because as a flower of grass he shall pass away;

• The rich man is to glory in his humiliation Is 57:15; 66:2; Mt 5:3; Php 3:8; 1Ti 6:17
• Because - Jas 4:14; Job 14:2; Ps 37:2,35,36; 90:5,6; 102:11; 103:15; Is 40:6; Mt 6:30; 1Co 7:31; 1Pe 1:24; 1Jn 2:17
• James 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

Click here for in depth comments on James 1:10

James 1:11 For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. (NASB: Lockman)

Amplified: For the sun comes up with a scorching heat and parches the grass; its flower falls off and its beauty fades away. Even so will the rich man wither and die in the midst of his pursuits. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

NET  James 1:11 For the sun rises with its heat and dries up the meadow; the petal of the flower falls off and its beauty is lost forever. So also the rich person in the midst of his pursuits will wither away.

GNT  James 1:11 ἀνέτειλεν γὰρ ὁ ἥλιος σὺν τῷ καύσωνι καὶ ἐξήρανεν τὸν χόρτον καὶ τὸ ἄνθος αὐτοῦ ἐξέπεσεν καὶ ἡ εὐπρέπεια τοῦ προσώπου αὐτοῦ ἀπώλετο· οὕτως καὶ ὁ πλούσιος ἐν ταῖς πορείαις αὐτοῦ μαρανθήσεται.

NLT  James 1:11 The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements. (Revised)

KJV  James 1:11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

ESV  James 1:11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

ASV  James 1:11 For the sun ariseth with the scorching wind, and withereth the grass: and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his goings.

CSB  James 1:11 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.

NIV  James 1:11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.

NKJ  James 1:11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.

NRS  James 1:11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the field; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. It is the same way with the rich; in the midst of a busy life, they will wither away.

KJV: For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

NLT: The hot sun rises and dries up the grass; the flower withers, and its beauty fades away. So also, wealthy people will fade away with all of their achievements. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: One day the sunrise brings a scorching wind; the grass withers at once and so do all the flowers - all that lovely sight is destroyed. Just as surely will the rich man and all his extravagant ways fall into the blight of decay. (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: for the sun arises with its scorching heat and the grass withers and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed. So shall also the wealthy person fade away together with his undertakings. 

Young's Literal: for the sun did rise with the burning heat, and did wither the grass, and the flower of it fell, and the grace of its appearance did perish, so also the rich in his way shall fade away!

• For the sun rises - Is 49:10; Jonah 4:7,8; Mt 13:6; Mk 4:6
• So too the rich man - Jas 5:1-7 Job 21:24-30 Ps 37:35,36 49:6-14 73:18-20 Ec 5:15 Isa 28:1,4 40:7,8 Lu 12:16-21 16:19-25 1Co 7:31 1Pe 1:4 5:4 
• James 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

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James 1:12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him (NASB: Lockman)

Amplified: Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor’s] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

NET  James 1:12 Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him.

GNT  James 1:12 Μακάριος ἀνὴρ ὃς ὑπομένει πειρασμόν, ὅτι δόκιμος γενόμενος λήμψεται τὸν στέφανον τῆς ζωῆς ὃν ἐπηγγείλατο τοῖς ἀγαπῶσιν αὐτόν.

NLT  James 1:12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (Revised)

KJV  James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

ESV  James 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

ASV  James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to them that love him.

CSB  James 1:12 A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

NIV  James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

NKJ  James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

NRS  James 1:12 Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

KJV: Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

NLT: God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: The man who patiently endures the temptations and trials that come to him is the truly happy man. For once his testing is complete he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to all who love him. (Phillips: Touchstone)

WBC: Blessed is the man who endures in time of testing because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown that offers the life [God] has promised to those who love Him.

Wuest: Spiritually prosperous is the man who remains steadfast under trial, because after he has met the test and has been approved, he shall receive the crown, namely, that crown which has to do with the life, which He promised to those who love Him.

Young's Literal: Happy the man who doth endure temptation, because, becoming approved, he shall receive the crown of the life, which the Lord did promise to those loving Him.

• Blessed is a man - Jas 1:2, 3, 4; 5:11; Job 5:17; Ps 94:12; 119:67,71,75; Pr 3:11,12; He 6:15; 10:32; 12:5; Re 3:19
• For once he has been approved: De 8:2 13:3 Pr 17:3 Zec 13:9 Mal 3:2,3 Heb 11:17 1Pe 1:6,7 1Pe 5:10 
• the crown: Mt 25:34 Lu 22:28-30 Ro 2:7-10 1Co 9:25 2Ti 4:8 1Pe 1:7 4:13 1Pe 5:4 Rev 2:10 3:21 
• which the Lord has promised: Jas 2:5 Isa 64:4 Mt 10:22 19:28,29 
• to those who love Him: Jas 2:5 Ex 20:6 De 7:9 Ne 1:5 Ps 5:11 Ro 8:28 1Co 2:9 8:3 1Pe 1:8 1Jn 4:19
• James 1 Resources

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James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. (NASB: Lockman)

Amplified: Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by [what is] evil and He Himself tempts no one. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

NET  James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one.

GNT  James 1:13 μηδεὶς πειραζόμενος λεγέτω ὅτι Ἀπὸ θεοῦ πειράζομαι· ὁ γὰρ θεὸς ἀπείραστός ἐστιν κακῶν, πειράζει δὲ αὐτὸς οὐδένα.

NLT  James 1:13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. (Revised)

KJV  James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

ESV  James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.

ASV  James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempteth no man:

CSB  James 1:13 No one undergoing a trial should say, "I am being tempted by God." For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn't tempt anyone.

NIV  James 1:13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;

NKJ  James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.

NRS  James 1:13 No one, when tempted, should say, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one.

KJV: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

NLT: And remember, no one who wants to do wrong should ever say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else either. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: A man must not say when he is tempted, "God is tempting me." For God has no dealings with evil, and does not himself tempt anyone. (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: Let no man be saying when he is being solicited to sin, By God I am being solicited to sin, for God is incapable of being solicited to sin, the source of the solicitations being evils,, and He himself solicits no one to sin. (Eerdmans)

Young's Literal: Let no one say, being tempted--`From God I am tempted,' for God is not tempted of evil, and Himself doth tempt no one,

• Let no one say James 1:2,12; Genesis 3:12; Isaiah 63:17; Habakkuk 2:12,13; Romans 9:19,20
• James 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

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James 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. (NASB: Lockman) (NASB: Lockman)

Amplified: But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

NET  James 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires.

GNT  James 1:14 ἕκαστος δὲ πειράζεται ὑπὸ τῆς ἰδίας ἐπιθυμίας ἐξελκόμενος καὶ δελεαζόμενος·

NLT  James 1:14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. (Revised)

ESV  James 1:14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

ASV  James 1:14 but each man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed.

CSB  James 1:14 But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires.

NIV  James 1:14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.

NKJ  James 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.

NRS  James 1:14 But one is tempted by one's own desire, being lured and enticed by it;

KJV: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

NLT: Temptation comes from the lure of our own evil desires. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: No, a man's temptation is due to the pull of his own inward desires, which can be enormously attractive. (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: But each one is being solicited to sin when he is taken in tow and enticed by his own craving. . (Eerdmans)

Young's Literal: and each one is tempted, by his own desires being led away and enticed,

• When he is carried away James 4:1,2; Genesis 6:5; 8:21; Josh 7:21, 22, 23, 24; 2 Sa 11:1, 2,3, 4, 5; 1Ki 21:2, 3, 4; Job 31:1, 9; Job 31:27; Pr 4:23; Isa 44:20; Hos 13:9; Mt 5:28; 15:18,20; Mk 7:21; 7:22; Ro 7:11,13; Eph 4:22; Heb 3:13
• James 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

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James 1:15  Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. (NASB: Lockman)

Amplified: Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

NET  James 1:15 Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death.

GNT  James 1:15 εἶτα ἡ ἐπιθυμία συλλαβοῦσα τίκτει ἁμαρτίαν, ἡ δὲ ἁμαρτία ἀποτελεσθεῖσα ἀποκύει θάνατον.

NLT  James 1:15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. (Revised)

ESV  James 1:15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

ASV  James 1:15 Then the lust, when it hath conceived, beareth sin: and the sin, when it is fullgrown, bringeth forth death.

CSB  James 1:15 Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.

NIV  James 1:15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

NKJ  James 1:15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

NRS  James 1:15 then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death.

KJV: Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

NLT: These evil desires lead to evil actions, and evil actions lead to death. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: His own desire takes hold of him, and that produces sin. And sin in the long run means death (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: Then when the aforementioned craving has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and this sin when it is full grown brings forth death. (Eerdmans)

Young's Literal: afterward the desire having conceived, doth give birth to sin, and the sin having been perfected, doth bring forth death.

• When lust has conceived Ge 3:6; 4:5, 6, 7, 8; Job 15:35;  Ps 7:14;  Isa 59:4;  Mic 2:1, 2, 3;  Mt 26:14,48-59; Acts 5:1, 2, 3
• When sin is accomplished Genesis 2:17; 3:17, 18, 19; Ps 9:17; Romans 5:12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,20, 21; 6:21,22, 23; Revelation 20:14,15)
• James 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

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James 1:16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. (NASB: Lockman)

Amplified: Do not be misled, my beloved brethren. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

NET  James 1:16 Do not be led astray, my dear brothers and sisters.

GNT  James 1:16 Μὴ πλανᾶσθε, ἀδελφοί μου ἀγαπητοί.

NLT  James 1:16 So don't be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. (Revised)

ESV  James 1:16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.

ASV  James 1:16 Be not deceived, my beloved brethren.

CSB  James 1:16 Don't be deceived, my dearly loved brothers.

NIV  James 1:16 Don't be deceived, my dear brothers.

NKJ  James 1:16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.

NRS  James 1:16 Do not be deceived, my beloved.

KJV: Do not err, my beloved brethren.

NLT: So don't be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: make no mistake about that, brothers of mine! (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: Stop being deceived, my brethren, beloved ones.

Young's Literal: Be not led astray, my brethren beloved;

• Do not be deceived - Matthew 22:29; Mark 12:24, 27; Galatians 6:7; Colossians 2:4,8; 2Timothy 2:18
• My beloved brethren - James 1:19; 2:5; Philippians 2:12; 4:1; Hebrews 13:1
• James 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

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James 1:17  Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. (NASB: Lockman)

Amplified: Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse]. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

NET  James 1:17 All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change.

GNT  James 1:17 πᾶσα δόσις ἀγαθὴ καὶ πᾶν δώρημα τέλειον ἄνωθέν ἐστιν καταβαῖνον ἀπὸ τοῦ πατρὸς τῶν φώτων, παρ᾽ ᾧ οὐκ ἔνι παραλλαγὴ ἢ τροπῆς ἀποσκίασμα.

NLT  James 1:17 Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. (Revised)

ESV  James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

ASV  James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning.

CSB  James 1:17 Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning.

NIV  James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

NKJ  James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

NRS  James 1:17 Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

KJV: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

NET: All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change.

NIV: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

NLT: Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: But every good endowment that we possess and every complete gift that we have received must come from above, from the Father of all lights, with whom there is never the slightest variation or shadow of inconsistency. (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the lights, with whom there can be no variableness nor shadow which is cast by the motion of turning. 

Young's Literal: every good giving, and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the lights, with whom is no variation, or shadow of turning;

• Good - James 1:5; 3:15,17; Genesis 41:16,38,39; Ex 4:11,12; 31:3, 4, 5, 6; 36:1,2; Nu 11:17,25; 1Chr 22:12; 29:19; 2Chr 1:11,12; Pr 2:6; Is 28:26; Da 2:21,22,27, 28, 29, 30; Mt 7:11; 11:25,26; 13:11,12; Lk 11:13; Jn 3:27; Acts 5:31; 11:18; Ro 6:23; 11:30; 12:6, 7, 8; 1Co 4:7; 12:4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12; Ep 2:3, 4, 5,8; 4:8, 9, 10, 11; Philippians 1:29; Titus 3:3, 4, 5; 1John 4:10; 5:11,12
• Father - Genesis 1:2, 3, 4, 5,14,15; Deuteronomy 4:19; Psalms 19:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8; 84:11; Is 45:7; 60:19; John 1:9; John 8:12; 2Corinthians 4:6; Ephesians 1:18; 1John 1:5; Revelation 21:23; 22:5
• No variation - Nu 23:19; 1Sa 15:29; Ps 122:6; Is 46:10; Mal 3:6; Ro 11:29; Heb 1:11,12; 13:8
• James 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

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James 1:18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. (NASB: Lockman)

Amplified: And it was of His own [free] will that He gave us birth [as sons] by [His] Word of Truth, so that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures [a sample of what He created to be consecrated to Himself]. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

NET  James 1:18 By his sovereign plan he gave us birth through the message of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

GNT  James 1:18 βουληθεὶς ἀπεκύησεν ἡμᾶς λόγῳ ἀληθείας εἰς τὸ εἶναι ἡμᾶς ἀπαρχήν τινα τῶν αὐτοῦ κτισμάτων.

NLT  James 1:18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession. (Revised)

ESV  James 1:18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

ASV  James 1:18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

CSB  James 1:18 By His own choice, He gave us a new birth by the message of truth so that we would be the firstfruits of His creatures.

NIV  James 1:18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

NKJ  James 1:18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

NRS  James 1:18 In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

KJV: Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

NET: By his sovereign plan he gave us birth through the message of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

NLT: In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his choice possession. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: By his own wish he made us his own sons through the Word of truth that we might be, so to speak, the first specimens of his new creation (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: In accordance with His deliberate purpose He brought us into being by means of the word of truth, resulting in our being a kind of first fruits of His creatures. 

Young's Literal: having counselled, He did beget us with a word of truth, for our being a certain first-fruit of His creatures.

• His will - Jn 1:13; 3:3, 4, 5; Ro 4:17; 8:29, 30, 31; 9:15, 16, 17, 18; Ep 2:4,5; Col 1:20,21; 2Thes 2:13,14; 1Peter 1:3,23
• by the Word - 1Co 4:15 Eph 1:12 1Pe 1:23 1Jn 3:9
• Kind of first fruits - Lev 23:10 Jer 2:3 Am 6:1 Heb 12:23 Rev 14:4 
• See comments on the New Birth in John 3:3
• James 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

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James 1:19 This you know my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger (NASB: Lockman)

Amplified: Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

NET  James 1:19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters! Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.

GNT  James 1:19 Ἴστε, ἀδελφοί μου ἀγαπητοί· ἔστω δὲ πᾶς ἄνθρωπος ταχὺς εἰς τὸ ἀκοῦσαι, βραδὺς εἰς τὸ λαλῆσαι, βραδὺς εἰς ὀργήν·

NLT  James 1:19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. (Revised)

ESV  James 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

ASV  James 1:19 Ye know this, my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

CSB  James 1:19 My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger,

NIV  James 1:19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

NKJ  James 1:19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;

NRS  James 1:19 You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger;

ASV: Ye know this, my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Barclay: All this, my dear brothers, you already know. Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. (Westminster Press)

Hiebert: My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry

KJV: Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Lenski: Know it, my brethren beloved! Moreover, let every person be swift for the hearing, slow for the speaking, slow for wrath

NLT: My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: In view of what he has made us then, dear brothers, let every man be quick to listen but slow to use his tongue, and slow to lose his temper. (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: You know, my brethren, beloved ones,. Now, let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow with respect to anger, 

Young's Literal: So then, my brethren beloved, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger,

• But everyone must be quick - Ne 8:2,3,12, 13, 14,18; 9:3; Pr 8:32-35; Eccl 5:1; Mark 2:2; 12:37; Lk 15:1; 19:48; Acts 2:42; 10:33; 13:42, 43, 44,48; 17:11; 1Th 2:13
• Slow to speak - Jas 1:26; 3:1,2; Pr 10:19; 13:3; 15:2; 17:27; 18:13,21; 21:23; Eccl 5:2,3
• Slow to anger - Neh 9:17; Pr 14:17,29; 15:18; 16:32; 17:14; 19:11,19; 25:28; Eccl 7:8,9; Mt 5:22; Gal 5:20,21; Ep 4:26,31; Col 3:8,15
• James 1 Resources - multiple sermons and commentaries

Click here for in depth comments on James 1:19

James 1:20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God (NASB: Lockman)

Amplified: For man’s anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires]. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

NET  James 1:20 For human anger does not accomplish God's righteousness.

GNT  James 1:20 ὀργὴ γὰρ ἀνδρὸς δικαιοσύνην θεοῦ οὐκ ἐργάζεται.

NLT  James 1:20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. (Revised)

ESV  James 1:20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

ASV  James 1:20 for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

CSB  James 1:20 for man's anger does not accomplish God's righteousness.

NIV  James 1:20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

NKJ  James 1:20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

NRS  James 1:20 for your anger does not produce God's righteousness.

ASV: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Barclay: for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness which God desires. (Westminster Press)

Hiebert: for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

KJV: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Lenski: for a man's wrath does not work God's righteousness.

NLT: Your anger can never make things right in God's sight. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: For man's temper is never the means of achieving God's true goodness. (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: for a man's wrath does not bring about that which is righteous in God's sight. 

Young's Literal:So then, my brethren beloved, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger,

• Jas 3:17,18; Nu 20:11,12; 2Ti 2:24,25
• James 1 Resources - multiple sermons and commentaries

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James 1:21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. (NASB: Lockman)

Amplified: So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

NET  James 1:21 So put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the message implanted within you, which is able to save your souls.

GNT  James 1:21 διὸ ἀποθέμενοι πᾶσαν ῥυπαρίαν καὶ περισσείαν κακίας ἐν πραΰτητι, δέξασθε τὸν ἔμφυτον λόγον τὸν δυνάμενον σῶσαι τὰς ψυχὰς ὑμῶν.

NLT  James 1:21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. (Revised)

ESV  James 1:21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

ASV  James 1:21 Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

CSB  James 1:21 Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save you.

NIV  James 1:21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

NKJ  James 1:21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

NRS  James 1:21 Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.

ASV: Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

Barclay: So then strip yourself of all filthiness and of the excrescence of vice, and in gentleness receive the inborn word which is able to save your souls.

Hiebert: Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

KJV: Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

NLT: So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the message God has planted in your hearts, for it is strong enough to save your souls. NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: Have done, then, with impurity and every other evil which touches the lives of others, and humbly accept the message that God has sown in your hearts, and which can save your souls. (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: Wherefore, having put away every moral uncleanness and vulgarity and wickedness which is abounding, in meekness receive the implanted Word which is able to save your souls. 

Young's Literal: wherefore having put aside all filthiness and superabundance of evil, in meekness be receiving the engrafted word, that is able to save your souls;

• Putting aside - Isa 2:20; 30:22; Ezek 18:31; Ro 13:12,13; Ep 4:22; Colossians 3:5, 6, 7, 8; Hebrews 12:1; 1Peter 2:1,11
• Filthiness - Jas 4:8; Ezekiel 36:25; 2Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 5:4
• Receive - Ps 25:9; Is 29:19; 61:1; Zeph 2:3; Mt 5:5; Acts 10:33; 1Th 1:5; 2:13
• Implanted - Jn 6:63,68; Ro 6:17; 11:17; He 4:2
• James 1 Resources - multiples sermons and commentaries

Click here for in depth comments on James 1:21

James 1:22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. (NASB: Lockman)

Amplified: But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth]. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

NET  James 1:22 But be sure you live out the message and do not merely listen to it and so deceive yourselves.

GNT  James 1:22 Γίνεσθε δὲ ποιηταὶ λόγου καὶ μὴ μόνον ἀκροαταὶ παραλογιζόμενοι ἑαυτούς.

NLT  James 1:22 But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. (Revised)

ESV  James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

ASV  James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves.

CSB  James 1:22 But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

NIV  James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

NKJ  James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

NRS  James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.

ASV: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves.

Hiebert: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

KJV: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

NLT: And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. If you don't obey, you are only fooling yourself. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: Don't I beg you, only hear the message, but put it into practice; otherwise you are merely deluding yourselves. (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: Moreover, keep on becoming doers of the Word and stop being hearers only, reasoning yourselves into a false premise and thus deceiving yourselves, 

Young's Literal: and become ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves,

• Prove - James 4:17; Matthew 7:21, 22, 23, 24, 25; 12:50; 28:20; Luke 6:46, 47, 48; 11:28; 12:47,48; John 13:17; Romans 2:13; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:17; 1John 2:3; 3:7; 3John 1:11; Revelation 22:7
• Delude - Jas 1:26; Is 44:20; Obadiah 1:3; 1Co 3:18; 6:9; 15:33; Gal 6:3,7; 2Ti 3:13; Titus 3:3; 2Pe 2:13; 1Jn 1:8; Rev 12:9
• James 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

Click here for in depth comments on James 1:22

James 1:23  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; (NASB: Lockman)

Amplified: For if anyone only listens to the Word without obeying it and being a doer of it, he is like a man who looks carefully at his [own] natural face in a mirror; (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

NET  James 1:23 For if someone merely listens to the message and does not live it out, he is like someone who gazes at his own face in a mirror.

GNT  James 1:23 ὅτι εἴ τις ἀκροατὴς λόγου ἐστὶν καὶ οὐ ποιητής, οὗτος ἔοικεν ἀνδρὶ κατανοοῦντι τὸ πρόσωπον τῆς γενέσεως αὐτοῦ ἐν ἐσόπτρῳ·

NLT  James 1:23 For if you listen to the word and don't obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. (Revised)

ESV  James 1:23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.

ASV  James 1:23 For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a mirror:

CSB  James 1:23 Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror.

NIV  James 1:23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror

NKJ  James 1:23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;

NRS  James 1:23 For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror;

ASV: For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a mirror:

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

KJV: For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

NLT: For if you just listen and don't obey, it is like looking at your face in a mirror but doing nothing to improve your appearance. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: The man who simply hears and does nothing about it is like a man catching the reflection of his own face in a mirror. (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: because if, as is the case, anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, this one is like a man attentively considering in a mirror the face with which he was born.

Young's Literal: because, if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, this one hath been like to a man viewing his natural face in a mirror,

• Hearer...not a doer - Jas 2:14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26; Je 44:16; Ezek 33:31,32; Mt 7:26,27; Lk 6:47, 48, 49, Lk 7:1-16
• James 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

Click here for in depth comments on James 1:23

James 1:24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. (NASB: Lockman)

Amplified: For he thoughtfully observes himself, and then goes off and promptly forgets what he was like. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

NET  James 1:24 For he gazes at himself and then goes out and immediately forgets what sort of person he was.

GNT  James 1:24 κατενόησεν γὰρ ἑαυτὸν καὶ ἀπελήλυθεν καὶ εὐθέως ἐπελάθετο ὁποῖος ἦν.

NLT  James 1:24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. (Revised)

ESV  James 1:24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.

ASV  James 1:24 for he beholdeth himself, and goeth away, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

CSB  James 1:24 For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.

NIV  James 1:24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

NKJ  James 1:24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.

NRS  James 1:24 for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like.

ASV: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth away, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

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

KJV: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

NLT: You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: He sees himself, it is true, but he goes on with whatever he was doing without the slightest recollection of what sort of person he saw in the mirror. (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: For he took one look at himself and was off, and he immediately forgot what sort of a person he was. 

Young's Literal: for he did view himself, and hath gone away, and immediately he did forget of what kind he was;

• what kind of person he was Judges 8:18; Matthew 8:27; Luke 1:66; 7:39; 1Thessalonians 1:5; 2Peter 3:11
• James 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

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James 1:25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. (NASB: Lockman)

Amplified: But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience). (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

NET  James 1:25 But the one who peers into the perfect law of liberty and fixes his attention there, and does not become a forgetful listener but one who lives it out– he will be blessed in what he does.

GNT  James 1:25 ὁ δὲ παρακύψας εἰς νόμον τέλειον τὸν τῆς ἐλευθερίας καὶ παραμείνας, οὐκ ἀκροατὴς ἐπιλησμονῆς γενόμενος ἀλλὰ ποιητὴς ἔργου, οὗτος μακάριος ἐν τῇ ποιήσει αὐτοῦ ἔσται.

NLT  James 1:25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. (Revised)

ESV  James 1:25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

ASV  James 1:25 But he that looketh into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and so continueth, being not a hearer that forgetteth but a doer that worketh, this man shall be blessed in his doing.

CSB  James 1:25 But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but one who does good works-- this person will be blessed in what he does.

NIV  James 1:25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.

NKJ  James 1:25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

NRS  James 1:25 But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act-- they will be blessed in their doing.

ASV: But he that looketh into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and so continueth, being not a hearer that forgetteth but a doer that worketh, this man shall be blessed in his doing.

Hiebert: But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

KJV: But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

NLT: But if you keep looking steadily into God's perfect law—the law that sets you free—and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: But the man who looks into the perfect mirror of God's law, the law of liberty (or freedom), and makes a habit of so doing, is not the man who sees and forgets. He puts that law into practice and he wins true happiness. (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: But he who with eagerness and concentration has pored over the perfect law, the law of liberty, and has continued in it, not having been a hearer who forgets but a doer who works, this person shall be prospered spiritually in his doing. 

Young's Literal: and he who did look into the perfect law--that of liberty, and did continue there, this one--not a forgetful hearer becoming, but a doer of work--this one shall be happy in his doing.

• One who looks - Pr 14:15; Is 8:20; 2Co 13:5; He 12:15
• perfect law: Jas 2:12 Ps 19:7-10 Ps 119:32,45,96-105 Ro 7:12,22,23 
• The Law of Liberty - Jn 8:32,36; Ro 8:15; 2Co 3:17,18; Gal 5:1; 1Pe 2:16
• Abides by it - 1 Samuel 12:14; John 8:31; 15:9,10; Acts 2:42; 13:43; 26:22; Ro 2:7,8; 11:22; Col 1:23; 1Ti 2:15; 4:16; 1Jn 2:24
• A forgetful hearer - James 1:23-24
• This man - Ps 19:11; 106:3; 119:2,3; Lk 6:47, 48, 49; 11:28; Jn 13:17; 1Co 15:58; Re 14:13; 22:14
• James 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

Click here for in depth comments on James 1:25

James 1:26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. (NASB: Lockman)

Amplified: If anyone thinks himself to be religious (piously observant of the external duties of his faith) and does not bridle his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person’s religious service is worthless (futile, barren). (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

NET  James 1:26 If someone thinks he is religious yet does not bridle his tongue, and so deceives his heart, his religion is futile.

GNT  James 1:26 Εἴ τις δοκεῖ θρησκὸς εἶναι μὴ χαλιναγωγῶν γλῶσσαν αὐτοῦ ἀλλὰ ἀπατῶν καρδίαν αὐτοῦ, τούτου μάταιος ἡ θρησκεία.

NLT  James 1:26 If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. (Revised)

ESV  James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

ASV  James 1:26 If any man thinketh himself to be religious, while he bridleth not his tongue but deceiveth his heart, this man's religion is vain.

CSB  James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, then his religion is useless and he deceives himself.

NIV  James 1:26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.

NKJ  James 1:26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless.

NRS  James 1:26 If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless.

ASV: If any man thinketh himself to be religious, while he bridleth not his tongue but deceiveth his heart, this man's religion is vain.

Barclay: If anyone thinks that he is a worshipper of God and yet does not bridle his tongue, his worship is an empty thing. (Westminster Press)

Hiebert: If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.

KJV: If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

NLT: If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: If anyone appears to be "religious" but cannot control his tongue, he deceives himself and we may be sure that his religion is useless. (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: If, as is the case, anyone imagines himself to be religious, not holding in check his tongue, but is deceiving his own heart, this person's religion is worthless.

Young's Literal: If any one doth think to be religious among you, not bridling his tongue, but deceiving his heart, of this one vain is the religion;

• If anyone thinks himself to be religious Pr 14:12; 16:25; Lk 8:18; 1Co 3:18; Ga 2:6,9; 6:3
• Bridle - James 1:19; 3:2, 3, 4, 5, 6; Ps 32:9; 34:13; 39:1,2; 141:3; Pr 10:19,31; 13:2,3; 15:2; Pr 16:10; 19:1; 21:26; Ep 4:29; 5:4; Col 4:6; 1Pe 3:10
• Deceives - James 1:22; Deuteronomy 11:16; Isaiah 44:20; Galatians 6:3
• this man's religion is worthlesJas 2:20; Is 1:13; Mal 3:14; Mt 15:9; Mk 7:7; 1Co 15:2,15; Gal 3:4
• James 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

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James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. (NASB: Lockman)

GNT   θρησκεία καθαρὰ καὶ ἀμίαντος παρὰ τῷ θεῷ καὶ πατρὶ αὕτη ἐστίν, ἐπισκέπτεσθαι ὀρφανοὺς καὶ χήρας ἐν τῇ θλίψει αὐτῶν, ἄσπιλον ἑαυτὸν τηρεῖν ἀπὸ τοῦ κόσμου.

Amplified: External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world. (Amplified Bible - Lockman)

ASV   Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Barclay: This is pure and undefiled worship, as God the Father sees it, to visit the orphans and the widows, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. (Westminster Press)

CSB   Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

ESV   Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

NET   Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their misfortune and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

NLT   Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. (Revised)

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

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

NKJ  Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

NRS   Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

KJV: Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

NLT: Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us. (NLT - Tyndale House)

Phillips: Religion that is pure and genuine in the sight of God the Father will show itself by such things as visiting orphans and widows in their distress and keeping oneself uncontaminated by the world. (Phillips: Touchstone)

Wuest: Religion which is pure and undefiled in the sight of God, even the Father, is this: to look after orphans and widows in their affliction with a view to ascertaining their needs and supplying them, and to be keeping one's self unspotted from the world.

Young's Literal: religion pure and undefiled with the God and Father is this, to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation--unspotted to keep himself from the world.

• Pure and undefiled religion Jas 3:17; Ps 119:1; Mt 5:8; Lk 1:6; 1Ti 1:5; 5:4
• To visit orphans and widows Job 29:12,13; 31:15-20; Ps 68:5; Is 1:16,17; 58:6,7; Mt 25:34-46; Gal 5:6; 6:9,10; 1Jn 3:17-19
• To keep oneself unstained James 4:4; John 17:14,15; Romans 12:2; Galatians 1:4; 6:14; Colossians 3:1, 2, 3; 1 John 2:15-17; 1 John 5:4,5,18
• James 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries

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