New International Reader's Version

James 4:1-10 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

1. Why do you fight and argue among yourselves? Isn't it because of your sinful longings? They fight inside you.

2. You want something, but you can't get it. You kill and want what others have. But you can't have what you want. You argue and fight. You don't have what you want, because you don't ask God.

3. When you do ask for something, you don't receive it. Why? Because you ask for the wrong reason. You want to spend your money on your sinful pleasures.

4. You are not faithful to God. Don't you know that to be a friend of the world is to hate God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

5. Don't you know what Scripture says? The spirit that God caused to live in us wants us to belong only to God. Don't you think Scripture has a reason for saying that?

6. God continues to give us more grace. That's why Scripture says, "God opposes those who are proud. But he gives grace to those who are not." (Proverbs 3:34)

7. So obey God. Stand up to the devil. He will run away from you.

8. Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners. Make your hearts pure, you who can't make up your minds.

9. Be full of sorrow. Cry and sob. Change your laughter to crying. Change your joy to sadness.

10. Bow down to the Lord. He will lift you up.