James 4:1-10 ▼

1 Whence come wars and whence come battles within you? are they not from thence, from your pleasures warring in your members?

2 You lust, and you have not: you murder, and you strive, and you are not able to obtain: you fight and you war; and have not, because you do not ask:

3 you ask, and you receive not, because you ask wickedly, that you may expend it in your pleasures.

4 O adulteresses, do you not know that the friendship of the world is enmity to God? Whosoever therefore may wish to be the friend of the world renders himself the enemy of God.

5 Whether do you think that the scripture says in vain, The spirit who dwells in us fights against envy?

6 and he gives more grace. Therefore he says, God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.

7 Therefore draw nigh unto God; and resist the devil, and he will flee from you:

8 draw nigh unto God, and he draws nigh unto you. Purify your hands, ye sinners; and cleanse your hearts, ye double-minded.

9 Weep, and mourn, lament: let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into sorrow.

10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will raise you up.