James 1:11-18

11The sun rises with its scorching heat and dries up plants. The flowers drop off, and the beauty is gone. The same thing will happen to rich people. While they are busy, they will die.

12Blessed are those who endure when they are tested. When they pass the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

13When someone is tempted, he shouldn’t say that God is tempting him. God can’t be tempted by evil, and God doesn’t tempt anyone.

14Everyone is tempted by his own desires as they lure him away and trap him.

15Then desire becomes pregnant and gives birth to sin. When sin grows up, it gives birth to death.

16My dear brothers and sisters, don’t be fooled.

17Every good present and every perfect gift comes from above, from the Father who made the sun, moon, and stars. The Father doesn’t change like the shifting shadows produced by the sun and the moon.

18God decided to give us life through the word of truth to make us his most important creatures.