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

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.

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.

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.

For human anger does not accomplish God's righteousness.

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.

do you pay attention to the one who is finely dressed and say, "You sit here in a good place," and to the poor person, "You stand over there," or "Sit on the floor"?

Listen, my dear brothers and sisters! Did not God choose the poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him?

Do they not blaspheme the good name of the one you belong to?

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Can this kind of faith save him?

and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, keep warm and eat well," but you do not give them what the body needs, what good is it?

You believe that God is one; well and good. Even the demons believe that -- and tremble with fear.

And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Now Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness," and he was called God's friend.

And if we put bits into the mouths of horses to get them to obey us, then we guide their entire bodies.

With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse people made in God's image.

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct he should show his works done in the gentleness that wisdom brings.

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical.

Adulterers, do you not know that friendship with the world means hostility toward God? So whoever decides to be the world's friend makes himself God's enemy.

Or do you think the scripture means nothing when it says, "The spirit that God caused to live within us has an envious yearning"?

But he gives greater grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble."

So submit to God. But resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and make your hearts pure, you double-minded.

So whoever knows what is good to do and does not do it is guilty of sin.

Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praises.