11. The 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.
12. Blessed 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.
13. When 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.
14. Everyone is tempted by his own desires as they lure him away and trap him.
15. Then desire becomes pregnant and gives birth to sin. When sin grows up, it gives birth to death.
16. My dear brothers and sisters, don’t be fooled.
17. Every 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.
18. God decided to give us life through the word of truth to make us his most important creatures.
19. Remember this, my dear brothers and sisters: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and should not get angry easily.
20. An angry person doesn’t do what God approves of.
21. So get rid of all immoral behavior and all the wicked things you do. Humbly accept the word that God has placed in you. This word can save you.
22. Do what God’s word says. Don’t merely listen to it, or you will fool yourselves.