James 1:16-19

1:16 Do not be led astray, my dear brothers and sisters. 1:17 All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change. 1:18 By his sovereign plan he gave us birth through the message of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Living Out the Message

1:19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters! Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.


tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:2.

tn The first phrase refers to the action of giving and the second to what is given.

tn Or “All generous giving and every perfect gift from above is coming down.”

tn Grk “variation or shadow of turning” (referring to the motions of heavenly bodies causing variations of light and darkness).

tn Grk “Having willed, he gave us birth.”

tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:2.