4:5

the scripture says: This expression and similar ones are frequently found in the Christian Greek Scriptures. The inspired writers used such phrases to introduce quotations from or references to parts of the Hebrew Scriptures. (Joh 19:37; Ro 4:3; 9:17; 10:11; Ga 4:30; 1Ti 5:18) The exact words that James here quotes are not found in any single scripture. But under inspiration, he paraphrases, or provides a summary of, basic ideas found in such scriptures as Ge 6:5; 8:21; Pr 21:10; Ec 9:3; and Ga 5:17. Other Bible writers similarly referred to general teachings found in some passages of the Hebrew Scriptures.​—See, for example, 1Co 2:9 and study note; 2Ti 2:19 and study note.

“The spirit . . . keeps enviously longing”: In this context, “the spirit” seems to refer to the bad inclinations of sinful humans that move them to act wrongly in various ways. (See Glossary, “Spirit.”) Such a spirit has taken up residence within them because all humans are born imperfect. (Ge 8:21; Ro 7:18-20) Among the bad inclinations that humans inherit is a tendency to envy, which is rooted in selfishness. Such envious longing is not limited to a desire for material things; it could include a desire for prominence and power as well as similar selfish ambitions. (Ex 20:17; Nu 16:1-3; Ps 106:16, 17; Ec 4:4) If a Christian were to allow the world under Satan’s control to fill his heart with such desires, he would show in his attitude, speech, or conduct that he was “making himself an enemy of God.” (Jas 4:4) Many of the fights and conflicts that James mentioned in the preceding verses likely stemmed from certain Christians having an envious spirit.​—Jas 4:1-3.