James 4:6

"Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who lives in us yearns jealously”?"

Key Reflection

This verse highlights that God's Holy Spirit within believers experiences jealousy over their failings, a sign of His deep concern and desire for their faithful obedience. It underscores the intimate relationship between the Spirit and the believer, where spiritual vitality is not complacent but vigilant and passionate.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 6. But he giveth more grace. The reference here is undoubtedly to God. Some have regarded this clause as a continuation of the quotation in the previous verse, but it is rather to be considered as a declaration of the apostle himself. The writer had just spoken of envy, and of the crimes which grew out of it. He thought of the wars and commotions of the earth, and of the various lusts which reigned among men. In the contemplation of these things, it seems suddenly to have occurred to him that all were not under the influence of these things; that there were cases where men were restrained, and where a spirit opposite to these things prevailed.

Related Verses

More from James 4

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion