Salutation

11 [1] James , a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ , To the twelve tribes who are [2] dispersed abroad: Greetings .

Faith and Humility

2 Consider it all joy , my brethren , when you encounter various [3]trials , 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces [4] endurance . 4 And let [5] endurance have its perfect [6]result , so that you may be [7] perfect and complete , lacking in nothing . 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom , let him ask of God , who gives to all generously and [8]without reproach , and it will be given to him. 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 . 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord , 8 being a [9] double-minded man , unstable in all his ways . 9 But the [10]brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position ; 10 and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation , because like [11]flowering grass he will pass away . 11 For the sun rises with [12] 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 .

Trial and Temptation

12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial ; for once he has [13]been approved , he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

13 Let no one say when he is tempted , " I am being tempted [14]by God "; for God cannot be tempted [15]by evil , and He Himself does not tempt anyone . 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust . 15 Then when lust has conceived , it gives birth to sin ; and when sin [16]is accomplished , it brings forth death . 16 Do not be [17]deceived , my beloved brethren . 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 [18]shifting shadow . 18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth , so that we would be [19]a kind of first fruits [20]among His creatures .

Hearing and Doing the Word

19 [21]This you know , my beloved brethren . But everyone must be quick to hear , slow to speak and slow to anger ; 20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God . 21 Therefore , putting aside all filthiness and all [22]that remains of wickedness , in [23]humility receive the word implanted , which is able to save your souls . 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word , and not merely hearers who delude themselves . 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer , he is like a man who looks at his [24]natural face in a mirror ; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away , [25]he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 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 [26]an effectual doer , this man will be blessed in [27]what he does . 26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious , and yet does not [28] bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart , this man's religion is worthless . 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 [29]by the world .