4:10

Humble yourselves: The Scriptures repeatedly condemn pride and arrogance, qualities that separate humans from one another and, more important, from God. (2Sa 22:28; Pr 6:16, 17; 1Pe 5:5) Therefore, James again reminds his readers of the need for humility if they are to “draw close to God.” (Jas 4:6-8) The Greek verb rendered “humble yourselves” has the basic meaning “to make [oneself] low.”​—Compare Jas 1:10 and study note.

Humble yourselves in the eyes of Jehovah: Even righteous humans are sinful, and the sins they commit​—including those that affect other humans​—are in reality sins against God. (Compare Ps 51:4; Lu 15:21.) Those who recognize their sinfulness and their insignificance in comparison with God have strong reasons to cultivate humility, not just in relation to other humans but, more important, in relation to God. One reference work notes: “Humility is to know how lowly we really are before God.”

in the eyes of Jehovah: Or “in the sight of (before) Jehovah.”​—Compare Lu 1:15 and study note; see also App. C3 introduction; Jas 4:10.

and he will exalt you: The Greek word here rendered “exalt” has the basic meaning of “lift up” and can be used figuratively to convey the idea of exalting or raising a person to a position of honor, dignity, and privilege. The context here could include the idea that God may exalt a repentant sinner by relieving him of feelings of guilt and by renewing his spirit. (Jas 4:6-9; compare Ps 51:10, 12, 13; Ac 3:19.) Both Jesus and the apostle Peter expressed the thought found in this verse​—that God is pleased to exalt, or to show favor to, those who humble themselves before Him.​—Mt 23:12; Lu 14:11; 18:14; 1Pe 5:6 and study notes.