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

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.

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:

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.

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

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.

and ye have regard to him that weareth the fine clothing, and say, Sit thou here in a good place; and ye say to the poor man, Stand thou there, or sit under my footstool;

Hearken, my beloved brethren; did not God choose them that are poor as to the world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to them that love him?

Thou believest that God is one; thou doest well: the demons also believe, and shudder.

and the scripture was fulfilled which saith, And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness; and he was called the friend of God.

Therewith bless we the Lord and Father; and therewith curse we men, who are made after the likeness of God:

Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy.

Ye adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore would be a friend of the world maketh himself an enemy of God.

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore the scripture'saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.

Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded.

Come now, ye that say, To-day or to-morrow we will go into this city, and spend a year there, and trade, and get gain:

To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.