James 4:5
Verse
Context
A Warning against Pride
4You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God. 5Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy? 6But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain - This verse is exceedingly obscure. We cannot tell what scripture St. James refers to; many have been produced by learned men as that which he had particularly in view. Some think Gen 6:5 : "Every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." Gen 8:21 : "The imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth." Num 11:29 : "Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake?" and Pro 21:10 : "The soul of the wicked desireth evil." None of these scriptures, nor any others, contain the precise words in this verse; and therefore St. James may probably refer, not to any particular portion, but to the spirit and design of the Scripture in those various places where it speaks against envying, covetousness, worldly associations, etc., etc. Perhaps the word in this and the two succeeding verses may be well paraphrased thus: "Do ye think that concerning these things the Scripture speaks falsely, or that the Holy Spirit which dwells in us can excite us to envy others instead of being contented with the state in which the providence of God has placed us? Nay, far otherwise; for He gives us more grace to enable us to bear the ills of life, and to lie in deep humility at his feet, knowing that his Holy Spirit has said, Pro 3:34 : God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. Seeing these things are so, submit yourselves to God; resist the devil, who would tempt you to envy, and he will flee from you; draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you." I must leave this sense as the best I can give, without asserting that I have hit the true meaning. There is not a critic in Europe who has considered the passage that has not been puzzled with it. I think the 5th verse should be understood as giving a contrary sense to that in our translation. Every genuine Christian is a habitation of the Holy Ghost, and that Spirit προς φθονον επιποθει, excites strong desires against envy; a man must not suppose that he is a Christian if he have an envious or covetous heart.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in vain--No word of Scripture can be so. The quotation here, as in Eph 5:14, seems to be not so much from a particular passage as one gathered by James under inspiration from the general tenor of such passages in both the Old and New Testaments, as Num 14:29; Pro 21:20; Gal 5:17. spirit that dwelleth in us--Other manuscripts read, "that God hath made to dwell in us" (namely, at Pentecost). If so translated, "Does the (Holy) Spirit that God hath placed in us lust to (towards) envy" (namely, as ye do in your worldly "wars and fightings")? Certainly not; ye are therefore walking in the flesh, not in the Spirit, while ye thus lust towards, that is, with envy against one another. The friendship of the world tends to breed envy; the Spirit produces very different fruit. ALFORD attributes the epithet "with envy," in the unwarrantable sense of jealously, to the Holy Spirit: "The Spirit jealously desires us for His own." In English Version the sense is, "the (natural) spirit that hath its dwelling in us lusts with (literally, 'to,' or 'towards') envy." Ye lust, and because ye have not what ye lust after (Jam 4:1-2), ye envy your neighbor who has, and so the spirit of envy leads you on to "fight." James also here refers to Jam 3:14, Jam 3:16.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Do ye think that the Scripture saith in vain?.... Some think that the apostle refers to a particular passage of Scripture in the Old Testament, and that he took it from Gen 6:3 as some; or from Exo 20:5, as others; or from Deu 7:2 or from Job 5:6 or from Pro 21:10 others think he had in view some text in the New Testament; either Rom 12:2 or Gal 5:17 and some have imagined that he refers to a passage in the apocryphal book: "For into a malicious soul wisdom shall not enter; nor dwell in the body that is subject unto sin.'' (Wisdom 1:4) and others have been of opinion that it is taken out of some book of Scripture then extant, but now lost, which by no means can be allowed of: the generality of interpreters, who suppose a particular text of Scripture is referred to, fetch it from Num 11:29 but it seems best of all to conclude that the apostle has no regard to any one particular passage of Scripture, in which the following words are expressly had, since no such passage appears; but that his meaning is, the sense of the Scripture everywhere, where it speaks of this matter, is to this purpose: nor does it say this, or any thing else in vain; whatever is written there is to answer some end, as for learning, edification, and comfort, for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness; neither with respect to what is before suggested, that what is asked in a right manner, and for a right end, shall be given; and that the love of the world, and the love of God, are things incompatible; nor with respect to what follows: the spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? that is, the depraved spirit of man, the spirit of an unregenerate man; that as it is prone to every lust, and prompts to every sin, the imagination of the thought of man's heart being evil, and that continually, so it instigates to envy the happiness of others; see Gen 6:5 or this may be put as a distinct question from the other, "does the spirit that dwelleth in us lust to envy?" that is, the Holy Spirit, who dwells in the hearts of his people, as in his temple: the Ethiopic version reads, "the Holy Spirit": and then the sense is, does he lust to envy? no; he lusts against the flesh and the works of it, and envy among the rest; see Gal 5:17 but he does not lust to it, or provoke to it, or put persons upon it; nor does he, as the Arabic version renders it, "desire that we should envy"; he is a spirit of grace; he bestows grace and favours upon men; and is so far from envying, or putting others upon envying any benefit enjoyed by men, that he increases them, adds to them, and enlarges them, as follows.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:5 Scriptures . . . say: James summarizes one of the messages of Scripture, that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him.
James 4:5
A Warning against Pride
4You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God. 5Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy? 6But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Brokenness
By Zac Poonen3.7K1:05:01BrokennessGEN 32:24PRO 16:18MAT 6:331CO 8:12CO 12:71TH 5:23JAS 4:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God breaking us in order to use us effectively. He uses the example of Jacob being broken for twenty years in his father-in-law's house and Moses being broken in the wilderness for forty years. The speaker highlights that even though believers may have great knowledge and gifts, without being broken by God, their lives will be wasted. He encourages listeners to embrace the circumstances God allows in their lives and to become weak before Him, so that His power can be released through them.
Biblical Recipe for Personal Revival
By Bill McLeod2.9K35:25Personal RevivalROM 3:10JAS 4:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the lack of focus on God in many sermons and the need for a biblical revival. He emphasizes the importance of humility and recognizing our sinful nature. The preacher references the book of James, specifically chapter 4 verse 5, which speaks about the spirit within us lusting to envy. He also mentions the two stages of revival, where the first stage involves conviction of sin and finding Christ, and the second stage involves recognizing our own sinfulness and learning from Christ to be meek and humble in heart.
The Spirit Filled Life Annointing Baptism & Fullness
By Kenneth Wuest2.1K40:04Spirit Filled LifeHoly Spirit's ControlLUK 4:18JHN 7:37JHN 14:16ACT 19:2ROM 6:31CO 12:13EPH 5:18PHP 2:1JAS 4:51JN 2:20Kenneth Wuest emphasizes the significance of living a spirit-filled life, clarifying that it is rooted in sound doctrine rather than emotion. He distinguishes between the anointing with the Spirit, the baptism by the Spirit, and the fullness of the Spirit, explaining that the anointing places the Holy Spirit in the believer, while baptism places the believer in Christ. Wuest highlights that the fullness of the Spirit refers to the ongoing control of the Holy Spirit over the believer's life, which requires a conscious desire and trust in the Spirit. He concludes that living a Spirit-controlled life involves cooperation with the Holy Spirit through prayer, study of the Word, and active faith. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit for a victorious Christian life.
You Are the Pearl of Great Value
By Derek Prince1.7K41:58GospelGEN 2:7EPH 1:6JAS 4:51JN 4:16In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of realizing how valuable we are in the eyes of God. He believes that the greatest problem of humanity is our failure to recognize our worth, which leads us to devalue ourselves. The speaker then shares a parable from Matthew 13:44-46, comparing the kingdom of heaven to a hidden treasure in a field. He suggests that Jesus is the man in the parable who gave up everything to obtain the treasure, which represents the people of God. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God never gives up on us, using the example of a parent's unwavering love for their wayward child.
Our Great Need for Church Elders
By Zac Poonen1.5K1:17:01HumilityMAT 6:33ROM 12:2EPH 4:2PHP 2:31TH 5:23JAS 4:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being broken by God in order to fulfill His purpose in our lives. He uses the example of Moses, who initially thought he could deliver Israel through his own strength, but God took him through a process of breaking and humbling him. The speaker highlights that being broken means not being affected by hurtful words or actions, and being completely dependent on God. He encourages listeners to embrace the difficult circumstances in their lives as opportunities for God to work in and through them.
Limiting God (Singapore)
By David Davis1.1K59:30Limiting GodMAT 6:33JAS 4:5JAS 4:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not limiting God and giving Him room to work. He encourages the audience to obey God's leading, even if it goes against their understanding or seems difficult. The speaker shares a personal story of adopting two teenage boys and how it was a breakthrough moment for him. He also highlights the example of Peter in the Bible, who did not limit God and saw the gospel explode as a result. The sermon concludes with a reminder of God's limitless power and His desire to bring His people into His goodness and promises.
Epistle of James - Part 4
By John Hunter96455:27JamesJHN 4:20JHN 13:17JAS 4:1JAS 4:5JAS 4:11In this sermon, the preacher focuses on James chapter 4 and breaks it down into different sections. The sermon begins by discussing the conflicts and fights among people, attributing them to their own selfish desires. The preacher then emphasizes the importance of humility and warns against speaking against one another. Finally, the sermon concludes with a reflection on the brevity of life and the need to seek the will of the Lord in our plans and decisions. Throughout the sermon, the preacher references various scriptures, such as Job, to highlight the transient nature of life.
Apart From Jesus We Can Do Nothing
By David Valderrama1581:08:18JesusPSA 16:11PSA 17:15MAT 18:20JAS 4:52PE 3:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accepting and believing the teachings of the Apostle John in 1 John. They caution against twisting or explaining away the message, urging listeners to accept it with childlike faith. The speaker also highlights the need for repentance and conversion, quoting Peter's words in Acts 3:19. They emphasize the significance of the presence of Jesus in our lives and how it is essential for transformation and victory over sin. The sermon concludes with a call to depend on and cling to Jesus in all aspects of life.
The Spirit of Love
By Michael Koulianos2940:56Love and UnityHoly SpiritJHN 15:12CO 13:14GAL 5:22EPH 4:3JAS 4:5Michael Koulianos emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit in cultivating a deep, loving relationship with Jesus, likening it to the bond between a bride and bridegroom. He discusses the significance of abiding in Christ to bear the fruit of the Spirit, particularly love, and stresses that true discipleship is about quality over quantity in our spiritual lives. Koulianos encourages believers to trust in the Lord and immerse themselves in Scripture, which leads to spiritual growth and a deeper communion with the Holy Spirit. He warns against seeking validation through gifts rather than through a genuine relationship with God, highlighting that our value comes from the sacrifice of Jesus. Ultimately, the sermon calls for unity in the Spirit and living a life marked by peace and love.
Word & Spirit Conference, Session 5
By David Ravenhill2553:21Habitation of GodHoliness and WorshipChristian LifeEXO 25:8PSA 139:23MAT 5:8JHN 4:24ROM 1:211CO 10:11TH 5:18HEB 3:6JAS 4:5REV 4:8David Ravenhill emphasizes the importance of creating a habitation for God, drawing parallels between the physical tabernacle and our lives as temples for the Holy Spirit. He reflects on the necessity of holiness, obedience, and thanksgiving in our relationship with God, highlighting that while many may experience God's presence, few truly fulfill His purpose. Ravenhill warns against the dangers of complacency and the need for a culture that aligns with God's desires, urging believers to surrender their lives fully to Him. He illustrates that God desires to dwell among His people, but requires a clean and holy environment to do so. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of God's ways and a commitment to worship Him in spirit and truth.
God's Loving Discipline and Safe Leadership
By Mike Bickle1648:34God's DisciplineSpiritual GrowthPSA 45:3SNG 3:1SNG 3:6ISA 63:9MAT 4:19ROM 8:281CO 10:13HEB 12:6JAS 4:5REV 3:19Mike Bickle emphasizes God's loving discipline and safe leadership in the context of the Song of Solomon, illustrating how the bride's journey reflects our own spiritual growth. He explains that God's discipline is not rejection but a call to maturity, urging believers to rise from their comfort zones and engage in a deeper relationship with Him. Bickle highlights the importance of obedience and partnership with God, reassuring that even in moments of spiritual dryness, God desires to help us grow. The sermon encourages believers to seek God's presence actively and to understand that His leadership is ultimately safe and filled with love. The message concludes with the reminder that our love for God crowns Him with joy, reflecting the intimate relationship He desires with His people.
He Will Lead
By Richard E. Bieber0JHN 14:26ACT 1:4ROM 8:14GAL 5:25EPH 4:301TH 5:19HEB 3:7JAS 4:51JN 2:27Richard E. Bieber preaches about the promise of the Holy Spirit to guide believers into truth and empower them to be witnesses for Jesus. The Holy Spirit comes to teach, guide, and empower every man and woman who lives as a disciple of Christ, not just limited to the apostles or a specific age. The key is to listen, learn, and follow where the Spirit leads, without looking back or being distracted by other voices or desires. The Spirit guides believers through challenges and impossible situations, requiring trust, unity with fellow believers, and obedience to His leading.
Our Daily Homily - James
By F.B. Meyer0The Power of PrayerHolinessISA 6:5MAT 5:8ROM 12:2PHP 4:6JAS 1:27JAS 2:5JAS 3:2JAS 4:5JAS 5:161PE 1:15F.B. Meyer emphasizes the call to live an unspotted life as defined by James 1:27, highlighting the importance of pure and undefiled religion that manifests in holy living. He reflects on the significance of poverty in God's eyes, illustrating how Christ's life among the poor exemplifies humility and reliance on God. Meyer warns against the sins of speech and the dangers of worldliness, urging believers to fully yield to the Holy Spirit, who desires complete devotion. He concludes by affirming the power of prayer from a righteous man, which can bring about significant change and relief in times of suffering.
Completely Dedicated to Christ: Are We?
By A.W. Tozer0PRO 14:30PRO 27:4MAT 27:18ROM 1:29GAL 5:21PHP 1:151TI 6:4TIT 3:3JAS 4:51PE 2:1In this sermon on Envy, the preacher delves into the destructive nature of envy, describing it as a feeling of discontent and resentment towards others' possessions or qualities. Envy leads to division, strife, and even murder, making it one of the most odious vices. The sermon emphasizes that envy is condemned in both the Old and New Testaments, warning believers of its corrupting influence on the soul. Envy is contrasted with jealousy, with envy focusing on begrudging others' possessions while jealousy fears losing what one has. The preacher highlights the importance of walking by the Spirit to overcome envy and rejoice in others' blessings.
Draw Near to God (Part 1)
By K.P. Yohannan0Dependence on God's GraceSurrender to the Holy SpiritJAS 4:5K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the necessity of relying on God's grace to overcome daily temptations and lead a holy life. He illustrates that just as batteries lose power over time, individuals who depend solely on their strength will ultimately fail. The sermon highlights the importance of complete surrender to the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live victoriously. Yohannan encourages seeking God's will in all aspects of life, big and small, rather than making decisions independently and then asking for blessings. This message serves as a reminder that true success comes from humility and dependence on God's grace.
Practical Sanctification
By A.B. Simpson0Surrender to GodSanctificationJAS 4:5A.B. Simpson emphasizes the necessity of practical sanctification, urging believers to confront their carnal hearts and the sinful nature that leads to strife and desires contrary to God's will. He explains that true sanctification involves surrendering the old self to Christ, allowing for a transformative union with Him that produces a new heart and life. Simpson highlights the importance of separating from worldly influences and embracing the love of God as the antidote to selfish desires, ultimately leading to a life filled with grace and holiness. He encourages believers to submit to God, resist evil, and cultivate humility to receive God's abundant grace.
On Believers,-God's Vessels
By W.J. Erdman0PSA 27:4ISA 6:7ISA 22:24ISA 49:2DAN 1:5ACT 1:82CO 6:17EPH 5:181TH 4:42TI 2:21HEB 10:22JAS 4:51JN 2:201JN 5:18W.J. Erdman preaches on the significance of believers being vessels in the spiritual temple, drawing parallels from the Old Testament vessels used in God's house. Believers must be cleansed from sin through the sprinkling of blood and anointed with oil, separated from sin and consecrated to God for service. Just like the temple vessels needed to be kept clean, believers must also maintain sanctification and honor, guarding themselves against defilement and staying in the love of God.
James Chapter 6 Practical Sanctification
By A.B. Simpson0The Love of GodSanctificationJAS 4:5A.B. Simpson emphasizes the necessity of practical sanctification as outlined in James Chapter 4, highlighting the struggle against the carnal heart and the importance of surrendering to God. He explains that true sanctification involves recognizing and crucifying our sinful desires, while also separating ourselves from the worldly influences that lead us astray. Simpson illustrates that the antidote to worldly lusts is the love of God, which transforms our hearts and empowers us to live a life of holiness. He concludes by stressing the importance of humility, submission, and intimacy with God to receive His grace and fulfill His will in our lives.
There Is No Spot in Thee
By A.B. Simpson0HolinessThe Work of the Holy SpiritPSA 51:10ROM 12:12CO 7:1GAL 5:22EPH 5:27PHP 1:6HEB 12:14JAS 4:51PE 1:161JN 1:9A.B. Simpson emphasizes the Holy Spirit's deep concern for the purity and perfection of the believer's heart, illustrating that the Spirit's love is both sensitive and jealous. He explains that the Holy Spirit aims to cleanse us from sin (the spot) and weakness (the wrinkle), desiring that we embody the highest possibilities of God's will. The sermon highlights the importance of being free from blemishes and decay, as Jesus desires a spotless Bride. Simpson calls for believers to seek the Holy Spirit's work in their lives to achieve this divine standard of holiness.
Some of the Different Meanings of the Word "flesh."
By Daniel Steele0JHN 3:6JAS 4:51PE 5:101JN 1:8Daniel Steele preaches on the misinterpretation of John 3:6 by the Plymouth Brethren, emphasizing that the term 'flesh' in the Gospels does not refer to sin but to human nature apart from the Spirit. He clarifies that the new birth affects the immaterial part of human nature, freeing believers from the dominion of the animal nature and filling them with the Holy Spirit. Steele also addresses the misinterpretation of 1 John 1:8 by gnostics, explaining that confession of sin leads to forgiveness and cleansing by God. Additionally, he discusses the true meaning of James 4:5, highlighting the indwelling Spirit's role in guarding believers' fidelity to God and the importance of undivided love for Him.
(Power From on High) 22. God's Jealous Love
By A.B. Simpson0Spiritual FidelityGod's Jealous LoveISA 61:10ROM 12:12CO 11:2GAL 5:22EPH 5:25PHP 1:6HEB 12:1JAS 4:51JN 2:15REV 19:7A.B. Simpson emphasizes God's jealous love as depicted in James 4:5, illustrating how the Holy Spirit yearns for our fidelity to Christ, akin to a bride's devotion to her groom. He draws parallels between the biblical narrative of Rebekah and the Church's relationship with Christ, highlighting the Spirit's role in guiding believers towards deeper union and sanctification. Simpson warns against spiritual adultery, urging believers to forsake worldly distractions and embrace their identity as the Bride of the Lamb, prepared for Christ's return. He encourages a life of consecration, emphasizing the Holy Spirit's work in refining and educating us for our eternal purpose. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a response to the Holy Spirit's jealous love, leading to a life of deeper faith and service.
The Spirit of Love
By Samuel Chadwick0JHN 16:7ROM 5:5ROM 15:30GAL 5:22COL 1:82TI 1:7JAS 4:51JN 4:13Samuel Chadwick preaches on the significance of love in religion, emphasizing that love completes the revelation of God and encapsulates the entire duty of man. The Spirit of God is identified as the 'Spirit of Love,' which is the foundational quality that gives value to all other attributes. Love, as a fruit of the Spirit, is considered the chief and most prominent result when the Spirit of Love resides in believers, manifesting as God's own love shed in their hearts through the Holy Ghost.
Something Must Be Done (Part One)
By Gardiner Spring0PRO 14:30PRO 27:4MRK 15:10ROM 1:29GAL 5:211TI 6:4JAS 1:21JAS 4:51PE 2:1The preacher delves into the concept of malice (kakia) as a quality of wickedness, depravity, and ill-will, highlighting its destructive nature and the root of various vices. Kakia is described as a vicious disposition that rejoices in hurting others, leading to a wicked habit of the mind. Envy (phthonos) is explored as a form of malice that resents others' excellence or happiness, leading to division, strife, and even murder. The sermon emphasizes the importance of putting aside malice, envy, and hatred, as they destroy fellowship and lead to a corrupt and loveless way of life.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain - This verse is exceedingly obscure. We cannot tell what scripture St. James refers to; many have been produced by learned men as that which he had particularly in view. Some think Gen 6:5 : "Every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." Gen 8:21 : "The imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth." Num 11:29 : "Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake?" and Pro 21:10 : "The soul of the wicked desireth evil." None of these scriptures, nor any others, contain the precise words in this verse; and therefore St. James may probably refer, not to any particular portion, but to the spirit and design of the Scripture in those various places where it speaks against envying, covetousness, worldly associations, etc., etc. Perhaps the word in this and the two succeeding verses may be well paraphrased thus: "Do ye think that concerning these things the Scripture speaks falsely, or that the Holy Spirit which dwells in us can excite us to envy others instead of being contented with the state in which the providence of God has placed us? Nay, far otherwise; for He gives us more grace to enable us to bear the ills of life, and to lie in deep humility at his feet, knowing that his Holy Spirit has said, Pro 3:34 : God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. Seeing these things are so, submit yourselves to God; resist the devil, who would tempt you to envy, and he will flee from you; draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you." I must leave this sense as the best I can give, without asserting that I have hit the true meaning. There is not a critic in Europe who has considered the passage that has not been puzzled with it. I think the 5th verse should be understood as giving a contrary sense to that in our translation. Every genuine Christian is a habitation of the Holy Ghost, and that Spirit προς φθονον επιποθει, excites strong desires against envy; a man must not suppose that he is a Christian if he have an envious or covetous heart.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in vain--No word of Scripture can be so. The quotation here, as in Eph 5:14, seems to be not so much from a particular passage as one gathered by James under inspiration from the general tenor of such passages in both the Old and New Testaments, as Num 14:29; Pro 21:20; Gal 5:17. spirit that dwelleth in us--Other manuscripts read, "that God hath made to dwell in us" (namely, at Pentecost). If so translated, "Does the (Holy) Spirit that God hath placed in us lust to (towards) envy" (namely, as ye do in your worldly "wars and fightings")? Certainly not; ye are therefore walking in the flesh, not in the Spirit, while ye thus lust towards, that is, with envy against one another. The friendship of the world tends to breed envy; the Spirit produces very different fruit. ALFORD attributes the epithet "with envy," in the unwarrantable sense of jealously, to the Holy Spirit: "The Spirit jealously desires us for His own." In English Version the sense is, "the (natural) spirit that hath its dwelling in us lusts with (literally, 'to,' or 'towards') envy." Ye lust, and because ye have not what ye lust after (Jam 4:1-2), ye envy your neighbor who has, and so the spirit of envy leads you on to "fight." James also here refers to Jam 3:14, Jam 3:16.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Do ye think that the Scripture saith in vain?.... Some think that the apostle refers to a particular passage of Scripture in the Old Testament, and that he took it from Gen 6:3 as some; or from Exo 20:5, as others; or from Deu 7:2 or from Job 5:6 or from Pro 21:10 others think he had in view some text in the New Testament; either Rom 12:2 or Gal 5:17 and some have imagined that he refers to a passage in the apocryphal book: "For into a malicious soul wisdom shall not enter; nor dwell in the body that is subject unto sin.'' (Wisdom 1:4) and others have been of opinion that it is taken out of some book of Scripture then extant, but now lost, which by no means can be allowed of: the generality of interpreters, who suppose a particular text of Scripture is referred to, fetch it from Num 11:29 but it seems best of all to conclude that the apostle has no regard to any one particular passage of Scripture, in which the following words are expressly had, since no such passage appears; but that his meaning is, the sense of the Scripture everywhere, where it speaks of this matter, is to this purpose: nor does it say this, or any thing else in vain; whatever is written there is to answer some end, as for learning, edification, and comfort, for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness; neither with respect to what is before suggested, that what is asked in a right manner, and for a right end, shall be given; and that the love of the world, and the love of God, are things incompatible; nor with respect to what follows: the spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? that is, the depraved spirit of man, the spirit of an unregenerate man; that as it is prone to every lust, and prompts to every sin, the imagination of the thought of man's heart being evil, and that continually, so it instigates to envy the happiness of others; see Gen 6:5 or this may be put as a distinct question from the other, "does the spirit that dwelleth in us lust to envy?" that is, the Holy Spirit, who dwells in the hearts of his people, as in his temple: the Ethiopic version reads, "the Holy Spirit": and then the sense is, does he lust to envy? no; he lusts against the flesh and the works of it, and envy among the rest; see Gal 5:17 but he does not lust to it, or provoke to it, or put persons upon it; nor does he, as the Arabic version renders it, "desire that we should envy"; he is a spirit of grace; he bestows grace and favours upon men; and is so far from envying, or putting others upon envying any benefit enjoyed by men, that he increases them, adds to them, and enlarges them, as follows.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:5 Scriptures . . . say: James summarizes one of the messages of Scripture, that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him.