[0] for our God is a consuming fire. [1] James, a servant of God and of the
Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greeting. [2]
Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, [3] for you
know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. [4] And let
steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking in nothing. [5] If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who
gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given
him. [6] But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is
like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. [7] For that
person must not suppose that a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways,
will receive anything from the Lord. [8] Let the lowly brother boast in his
exaltation, [10] and the rich in his humiliation, because like the flower
of the grass he will pass away. [11] For the sun rises with its scorching
heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So
will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. [12] Blessed is
the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive
the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him. [13] Let no
one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be
tempted with evil and he himself tempts no one; [14] but each person is
tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. [15] Then desire
when it has conceived gives birth to sin; and sin when it is full-grown
brings forth death. [16] Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. [17]
Every good endowment 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. [18] Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth that
we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. [19] Know this, my
beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to
anger, [20] for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God.
[21] Therefore put away all filthiness and rank growth of wickedness and
receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
[22] But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
[23] For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a
man who observes his natural face in a mirror; [24] for he observes himself
and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. [25] But he who looks
into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer
that forgets but a doer that acts, he shall be blessed in his doing. [26]
If any one thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but
deceives his heart, this man's religion is vain. [27] Religion that is pure
and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and
widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
