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James 4:6

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures
- 6 However, the undeserved kindness that He gives is greater. So it says: “God opposes the haughty ones,+ but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones.”+

James 4:6

The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures
- 6 μείζονα Greater δὲ but δίδωσιν he is giving χάριν· undeserved kindness; διὸ through which λέγει it is saying Ὁ The θεὸς God ὑπερηφάνοις to superior appearing (ones) ἀντιτάσσεται is ranging self against ταπεινοῖς to lowly (ones) δὲ but δίδωσιν he is giving χάριν. undeserved kindness.

James 4:6

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—With References
- 6 However, the undeserved kindness which he gives is greater.+ Hence it says: “God opposes the haughty ones,+ but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones.”+

James 4:6

The Bible in Living English
- 6 But he gives a greater grace; for which reason it says “God sets himself against the proud but gives grace to the lowly.”

James 4:6

American Standard Version
- 6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore the scripture saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.

James 4:6

The Emphasized Bible
- 6 Howbeit he giveth greater favour. Wherefore it saith—God against the haughty arrayeth himself, Whereas unto the lowly he giveth favour.

James 4:6

King James Version
- 6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

James

Watch Tower Publications Index 1930-1985
- 4:6 cj 152-153; g64 12/8 4; w63 473; g62 12/22 4; w61 157; w53 335; w48 284

James Study Notes—Chapter 4

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)
- 4:6
  
  the undeserved kindness that He gives is greater: The undeserved kindness that God shows to imperfect humans is an expression of his generosity and abundant love. (See Glossary, “Undeserved kindness.”) God extends such kindness to humble ones who admit their sinful tendencies and ask for his help to overcome them. He gives such help by various means, such as his holy spirit, his inspired Word, and the support of faithful Christian brothers. (Lu 11:13; Heb 4:12; 10:25) God’s undeserved kindness, which he expresses in a wide variety of ways, is far greater, or more powerful, than inherited weaknesses, such as the tendency to envy. (Jas 4:5 and study note) Thus he helps Christians to conquer the weaknesses of their flesh and remain faithful.—Ro 7:24, 25.
  
  So it says: To support the point he has just made regarding God’s undeserved kindness, James introduces a quote based on the Septuagint wording of Pr 3:34.—Compare Ps 138:6.
  
  God opposes the haughty ones: The Scriptures repeatedly condemn pride and haughtiness. (Ps 18:27; 101:5; Pr 16:18; Isa 2:17) Haughty people look down on their fellow man and arrogantly refuse either to search for God or to depend on him for guidance. (Ps 10:4) According to some reference works, the Greek term for “haughty” describes those who have an “exaggerated opinion of” themselves and who show this attitude “both toward God and toward men.” Jehovah opposes, or resists, those who harbor such a prideful attitude. The word here rendered “opposes” is a military term that conveys the idea of an army ready for battle. “The haughty ones” in effect make themselves enemies of God.—2Sa 22:28; Pr 6:16, 17; see study note on 1Pe 5:5.
  
  the humble ones: In stark contrast to “the haughty ones,” humble people gladly acknowledge their reliance on their heavenly Father. They seek his help in order to conquer any weaknesses they may have, including the tendency to envy mentioned by James in the preceding verse. (Isa 66:2; Mt 18:3, 4; Jas 4:5) Jehovah shows his “undeserved kindness” by supplying such humble ones with his powerful holy spirit, which can help them to overcome any “fleshly desire.”—Ga 5:16.