Let the brother in humble circumstances glory in his high position [as a born-again believer, called to the true riches and to be an heir of God];

For if anyone only listens to the word without obeying it, he is like a man who looks very carefully at his natural face in a mirror;

But he who looks carefully into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and faithfully abides by it, not having become a [careless] listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he will be blessed and favored by God in what he does [in his life of obedience].

Can a fig tree, my brothers, produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.

Who among you is wise and intelligent? Let him by his good conduct show his [good] deeds with the gentleness and humility of true wisdom.

Be miserable and grieve and weep [over your sin]. Let your [foolish] laughter be turned to mourning and your [reckless] joy to gloom.

Do not complain against one another, believers, so that you will not be judged [for it]. Look! The Judge is standing right at the door.