James 4:10
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Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
in the sight of the Lord--as continually in the presence of Him who alone is worthy to be exalted: recognizing His presence in all your ways, the truest incentive to humility. The tree, to grow upwards, must strike its roots deep downwards; so man, to be exalted, must have his mind deep-rooted in humility. In Pe1 5:6, it is, Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, namely, in His dealings of Providence: a distinct thought from that here. lift you up--in part in this world, fully in the world to come.
Open source ↗In this chapter we are directed to consider, I. Some causes of contention, besides those mentioned in the foregoing chapter, and to watch against them (Jam 4:1-5). II. We are taught to abandon the friendship of this world, so as to submit and subject ourselves entirely to God (Jam 4:4-10). III. All detraction and rash judgment of others are to be carefully avoided (Jam 4:11, Jam 4:12). IV. We must preserve a constant regard, and pay the utmost deference to the disposals of divine Providence (Jam 4:13 to the end).
Open source ↗4:10 To those who humble themselves before him, God gives honor in place of the shame of their persecution and oppression (Jas 2:6-7).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
The LORD sustains the humble, but casts the wicked to the ground.
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
When men are brought low and you say, ‘Lift them up!’ then He will save the lowly.
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the dump
He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble.
He guards the steps of His faithful ones, but the wicked perish in darkness; for by his own strength shall no man prevail.
I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
I will exalt You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up and have not allowed my foes to rejoice over me.