James 4:6
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But he giveth more grace - Μειζονα χαριν, A greater benefit, than all the goods that the world can bestow; for he gives genuine happiness, and this the world cannot confer. May this be St. James' meaning? God resisteth the proud - Αντιτασσεται· Sets himself in battle array against him. Giveth grace unto the humble - The sure way to please God is to submit to the dispensation of his grace and providence; and when a man acknowledges him in all his ways, he will direct all his steps. The covetous man grasps at the shadow, and loses the substance.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But--"Nay, rather." he--God. giveth more grace--ever increasing grace; the farther ye depart from "envy" [BENGEL]. he saith--The same God who causes His spirit to dwell in believers (Jam 4:5), by the Spirit also speaks in Scripture. The quotation here is probably from Pro 3:34; as probably Pro 21:10 was generally referred to in Jam 4:5. In Hebrew it is "scorneth the scorners," namely, those who think "Scripture speaketh in vain." resisteth--literally, "setteth Himself in array against"; even as they, like Pharaoh, set themselves against Him. God repays sinners in their own coin. "Pride" is the mother of "envy" (Jam 4:5); it is peculiarly satanic, for by it Satan fell. the proud--The Greek means in derivation one who shows himself above his fellows, and so lifts himself against God. the humble--the unenvious, uncovetous, and unambitious as to the world. Contrast Jam 4:4.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But he giveth more grace,.... The Arabic version adds, "to us"; the Ethiopic version, "to you"; and the Syriac version reads the whole thus; "but our Lord gives more grace to us"; or "greater grace"; than the world can give, whose friendship is courted by men; the least measure of grace, of faith, and hope, and love, and of a spiritual knowledge of Christ, and interest in him, and of peace, joy, and comfort, is more worth than all the world, and everything in it: or greater grace, more favours than the saints are able to ask or think; so Solomon had more favours given him than he could think of asking for: or greater grace, and larger measures of it, even of spiritual light and knowledge, under the Gospel dispensation, than under the former dispensation; or where God bestows gifts qualifying for service and usefulness, and these are made use of and employed for such purposes, he gives more: or this may refer to internal grace wrought by the Spirit of God, in the hearts of his people; more of which he may be said to give, when he causes it to abound, as to its acts and exercises; when faith grows exceedingly, hope revives, and is lively, and abounds through his power and influence, and love to God and Christ, and one another, abounds yet more and more; when there is a growth in every grace, and in the knowledge of Christ Jesus, so that this grace becomes a well of living waters, springing up into eternal life, which at last will have its perfection in glory: wherefore he saith; either the Spirit that gives more grace, or the Scripture, or God in the Scripture, in Pro 3:34, God resisteth the proud: or scorns the scorners; he rejects them that trust in themselves that they are righteous, and despise others; that say, Stand by thyself, I am holier than thou; that are proud of themselves, their enjoyments, their gifts, their external righteousness, and holiness, and are full, and rich, and increased with goods, and stand in need of nothing; these he opposes, he sets himself against, he thrusts them away from him, he sends them away empty, and scatters them in the imagination of their own hearts; and in the things in which they deal proudly, he is above them; he sits in the heavens and laughs at them, and frustrates all their schemes: but he giveth grace unto the humble; who are sensible of their own vileness and meanness, and acknowledge it; who think the meanest of themselves, and the best of others; and do not envy the gifts and graces of God bestowed upon others, but rejoice at them; and ascribe all they have, and are, to the free grace of God; and ingenuously confess the deficiency of their duties, and the insufficiency of their righteousness to justify them before God; and that when they have done all they can, or are assisted to do, they are but unprofitable servants: now to these God gives grace; he not only gives grace at first, to make them humble, but he gives them more grace, or increases what he gives: grace is God's gift; he gives all the grace that is in Christ, and all the blessings of grace that are in the covenant, and all the grace that is in the hearts of his people; as faith, hope, love, repentance, humility, patience, self-denial, resignation to his will, and every degree of spiritual knowledge; and grace is only his gift; men cannot give it to themselves, nor can the best of men give it to others; not godly parents to their children; nor ministers to those to whom they preach; no, nor the angels in heaven; nor is it to be obtained by the works of men: it is a free gift; it is given of the sovereign will and good pleasure of God, to whom, and when, and in what measure he pleases; to which he is not induced by any motives in men, for they have nothing in them to move him to it; and it is given by him absolutely, without conditions, not suspending it till the performance of them; and he gives it cheerfully and not grudgingly, largely, bountifully, and in great abundance.
James 4:6
A Warning against Pride
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
The Great Sin (Reading)
By C.S. Lewis23K00:00Audio BooksMAT 6:33ROM 12:3PHP 2:32TI 3:4JAS 4:61JN 2:16In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of pride and conceit in the Christian life. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our need for repentance and seeking the Lord. The speaker references C.S. Lewis and quotes various Bible verses to highlight the dangers of pride and the importance of humility. He poses three important questions for self-reflection and encourages listeners to regularly examine their Christian walk. The sermon concludes with a reminder to be dependent on Jesus and to humble ourselves before Him.
Heart to Heart Talk on Marriage
By Jim Cymbala8.5K39:36MarriageMAT 19:61CO 7:21CO 7:5EPH 5:21EPH 6:11JAS 4:61PE 5:8In this sermon, the speaker starts by sharing a personal anecdote about watching a nature channel and being disturbed by the aggressive behavior of wild dogs in South Africa. He then transitions to discussing the dangers of bitterness and isolation in our spiritual lives, emphasizing the importance of acting in a Christian way and avoiding conflicts that can lead to negative consequences. The speaker also highlights the significance of humility and self-control in relationships, particularly in marriage. They emphasize that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, and encourages single individuals to avoid being self-centered in order to receive God's blessings. The sermon references biblical passages such as 1 Peter 5:5-7 to support these teachings.
If My People
By Curtis Hutson7.6K39:13Revival2CH 7:14PSA 51:17MAT 6:33JHN 15:52TI 3:16HEB 13:8JAS 4:6In this sermon, the preacher shares two stories to emphasize the importance of approaching the platform with confidence and faith. He encourages the congregation to start a fire in their hearts and unite in prayer to bring revival to their church and nation. The preacher emphasizes that God is still powerful and capable of working miracles today. He references 2 Chronicles 7:14, where God promises to hear and heal if His people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways. The preacher challenges the congregation to believe in the power of God's promises and take action to bring about revival.
(Pdf Book) Beauty of Christ Through Brokenness
By K.P. Yohannan5.9K00:00EbooksBrokennessHumilityPSA 34:18PSA 51:17ISA 66:2MAT 5:8JHN 12:24GAL 2:20JAS 4:6K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the significance of brokenness in the Christian life, illustrating that true humility and surrender to God are essential for reflecting Christ's image. He explains that God esteems the humble and contrite, and that unbrokenness leads to pride and self-centeredness, which can hinder our relationship with Him. Through personal anecdotes and biblical examples, Yohannan encourages believers to embrace their brokenness as a pathway to spiritual fullness and to allow God to work through their weaknesses. He highlights that brokenness is not a one-time event but a continuous process that leads to transformation and a deeper connection with God. Ultimately, the beauty of Christ is revealed through our willingness to be broken and to serve others selflessly.
Humility vs Pride
By Gerhard Du Toit5.9K10:05PridePRO 16:18ISA 57:15ACT 4:31ROM 12:3PHP 2:3JAS 4:61JN 1:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the destructive nature of pride in a person's life. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and repenting of pride, as it hinders one's relationship with God and others. The speaker contrasts a prideful heart with a broken heart before God, highlighting the humility and dependence that comes with a broken Christian life. They emphasize the need for confession, forgiveness, and reconciliation in relationships, as well as the importance of serving others with a selfless and compassionate spirit. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to cultivate a broken heart before God, acknowledging their own unworthiness and relying on His grace and forgiveness.
Everything Is for the Glory of God
By Jim Cymbala3.8K37:51GEN 1:1PSA 115:1JHN 14:13JHN 15:5ROM 11:361CO 10:31PHP 4:131TH 5:16JAS 4:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing that everything is for God's glory and everything comes from God. It delves into the need for complete reliance on God for transformation and provision, highlighting the power of prayer in Jesus' name and the significance of humbly acknowledging our dependence on God for all aspects of life.
Message for Youth for Christ
By A.W. Tozer3.3K25:53MessagePRO 3:34MAT 4:17MAT 23:12LUK 24:49ACT 13:22CO 12:9JAS 4:6In this sermon, the speaker presents thirteen key points or "theses" for the evangelical church. The first thesis is about the importance of repentance and how the whole life of a faithful believer should be an act of repentance. The speaker emphasizes the need for true worshipers who are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. He warns against relying on the sponsorship or approval of influential people and highlights the significance of humility and simplicity in demonstrating true Christianity. The speaker calls for a reformation within the church and urges the youth for Christ to be leaders who set a positive example for others.
(In the Word) 08 - Bearing Fruit for God or the Devil
By Milton Green3.3K1:24:30GEN 12:1ISA 5:1MAT 6:33LUK 13:27GAL 4:30JAS 4:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God. He encourages the audience to reject old traditions and wrong teachings that may conflict with the Word of God. The preacher uses the analogy of a vineyard to illustrate how God works in his church. He also highlights the power of the Holy Spirit and the importance of faith in the Christian walk.
Suffering for the Sake Of
By Joni Eareckson Tada2.8K49:53LUK 9:23ACT 2:28ROM 5:2ROM 8:2ROM 8:182CO 1:92CO 4:7JAS 1:2JAS 4:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of finding joy and hope in God, even in the midst of suffering and trials. It shares powerful stories of individuals facing challenges, highlighting the need to lean on God's strength and find purpose in difficulties. The message encourages listeners to embrace suffering, persevere with joy, and look forward to the ultimate hope of being united with God in eternal joy and peace.
(God and Man) Building Fellowship in Christ's Body
By Zac Poonen2.4K56:08ECC 4:9MAT 6:33EPH 4:14JAS 4:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not comparing oneself to others, but rather comparing oneself to what they could have been with the resources of God's grace. The speaker references Ecclesiastes 4:9, which states that two are better than one and can accomplish more together. The sermon also discusses the need for spiritual growth and maturity, as mentioned in Ephesians 4:14. The speaker highlights the importance of having a realistic understanding of one's own abilities and not overestimating oneself. Additionally, the sermon addresses the issue of seeking validation from others and encourages individuals to have a humble perspective of themselves.
(Revival) Religious Stumbling Blocks - Part 1
By Michael L. Brown2.2K30:51MAT 6:331CO 1:27HEB 12:28JAS 4:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the reasons why God is often left out of human religious structures and not welcomed in prestigious places. He emphasizes that when people think they have it all figured out, they tend to prioritize their own systems and say "the show must go on." The speaker also highlights the pain and effort involved in birthing something new, using the analogy of childbirth. Additionally, the speaker mentions the importance of recognizing that God works through imperfect vessels, which can lead to imperfect manifestations. The sermon emphasizes the need to understand and overcome religious stumbling blocks.
Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven Is at Hand (Compilation)
By Compilations2.2K08:07CompilationISA 40:3MAT 7:21ROM 10:132CO 6:22CO 6:17JAS 4:61JN 3:8In this sermon, the speaker shares their personal journey of being involved in church and Christian activities but realizing that they were still living in sin. They emphasize the importance of not just saying we love Jesus, but actually living a life that reflects it. The speaker also talks about John the Baptist, who came before Jesus to prepare the way for Him. They highlight the message of repentance and the need to turn away from sin and call upon the name of the Lord for salvation. The sermon concludes with an invitation for everyone, believers and unbelievers alike, to come out, be saved, and experience the joy and love of the kingdom of heaven.
(Pdf Book) When We Have Failed, What Next?
By K.P. Yohannan2.2K00:00Hope in FailureGod's RestorationEbooksISA 61:1JER 29:11MAT 11:28LUK 23:43ROM 8:282CO 1:4PHP 1:6JAS 4:61PE 5:81JN 1:9K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of recognizing and learning from our failures rather than being held captive by them. He illustrates that God offers hope and restoration, using biblical examples of figures like Moses, David, and Peter, who experienced significant failures yet were redeemed and used by God. The sermon encourages believers to embrace the gift of today, accept God's forgiveness, and understand that their past does not define their future. Yohannan reassures that God can transform failures into opportunities for growth and service, reminding us that our stories are not over yet.
Grace to the Humble (Kannada)
By Zac Poonen2.2K55:291SA 2:30ROM 8:28JAS 4:61PE 5:51JN 4:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility before God, highlighting that God gives grace to the humble and exalts those who submit to His mighty hand. It contrasts Old Testament honor with New Testament grace, focusing on seeking God's nature over earthly blessings. The message stresses the need to resist the devil through humility and faith, allowing God to exalt believers over sin and the enemy.
Clothed in Humility, Part Two
By K.P. Yohannan2.2K25:59HumilityPRO 16:18MAT 6:33LUK 14:11ROM 12:3PHP 2:8JAS 4:61PE 5:5In this sermon, Brother K.P. Johannon emphasizes the importance of humility in the Christian life. He encourages listeners to recognize their unworthiness and to view themselves as servants of God. He explains that humility is a process that requires a willingness to die to oneself. Brother K.P. also highlights the significance of humility in experiencing Christ and entering into suffering. He concludes by sharing his own struggles as an encouragement to others and emphasizes the continuous humility displayed by Jesus throughout his life.
(The Truth Will Set You Free) Freedom From Some Bad Habits
By Zac Poonen2.1K1:01:38PRO 16:18LUK 23:39JAS 4:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having faith and recognizing that God is eager to give. He encourages the audience to come before God with faith and worship, acknowledging the blessings they have received. The speaker then discusses the concept of escaping the corruption of the world through pursuing the divine nature and avoiding strong desires. He lists 16 things that Christians should seek freedom from, with the number one being pride, which he states is the root cause of all problems. The speaker emphasizes the need to stop comparing oneself with others in order to be free from pride.
Beautiful Attitudes
By Denny Kenaston2.0K57:19AttitudesMAT 7:24EPH 4:1JAS 3:13JAS 4:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of laying a strong foundation in our lives. He uses the illustration of a house being built on a rock to illustrate the need for a solid foundation. The preacher then introduces the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount, describing them as basic principles that have to do with both God and ourselves. He highlights the significance of blessings and how they apply to those who are poor in spirit, mournful, meek, hunger for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers. The preacher urges the audience to pay attention to these blessings and emphasizes that they are especially important for those who have nothing.
Rehoboam: If You Will Be Kind
By Russell Kelfer1.8K25:14Rehoboam2CH 9:302CH 10:1JAS 4:61PE 5:21PE 5:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the downfall of a young king who failed to lead with kindness. The sermon is divided into four parts, starting with the end of an era and the young king's attempt to step into the shoes of the wisest man who ever lived. Despite the advice of experienced individuals, the king chooses to listen to his young and inexperienced friends, leading to the destruction of his kingdom. The sermon emphasizes the importance of kindness in leadership, drawing from the biblical teachings of 1 Peter 5:2-6. The preacher encourages leaders to tend, nurture, and guide their followers willingly and cheerfully, rather than being domineering or arrogant.
Battling the Unbelief of Haughty Spirit
By John Piper1.7K30:46PRO 16:18JER 9:23JER 13:15MAT 6:331CO 4:1HEB 11:6JAS 4:6In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of pride and its opposite, which he identifies as faith. He begins by discussing the role of stewards of God's mysteries and emphasizes the importance of being trustworthy. The preacher then highlights the futility of human judgment and emphasizes that it is the Lord who ultimately judges. He goes on to explore various Bible verses, including 1 Corinthians 4:1-7 and James 4:13-16, to illustrate the presence of pride in different aspects of life such as intellect, physical abilities, and possessions. The preacher concludes by urging the audience to combat pride by embracing faith and submitting to God's word.
(1 Samuel) Attacked, but Blessed
By David Guzik1.6K37:241SA 18:19PRO 3:34MAT 5:40ROM 12:21JAS 4:61PE 5:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of responding to manipulation with love and humility. He uses the example of the Roman soldiers and Jewish men during Jesus' time to illustrate his point. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a humble heart and taking control of the situation by giving more than what is required. He references the story of David and Saul to highlight the power of being a humble servant and being in control. The sermon concludes with Jesus' teachings on going the extra mile and giving more than what is demanded, as a way to overcome evil impositions.
Above All Things
By Alistair Begg1.6K34:34PSA 138:2PRO 16:18ISA 2:11MAT 6:33PHP 2:3JAS 4:61PE 5:6In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of exalting God's name and word above all else. The verse "You have exalted above all things your name and your word" serves as an antidote to pride and self-promotion. It reminds us that our understanding of God's disclosure and the benefits we receive from Him begin with Him. Additionally, the verse provides an illustration of evangelistic worship, emphasizing the need for heartfelt praise and the power of singing in reviving the people of God throughout history.
Pitfalls in Ministry by Michael L. Brown
By Micheal L. Brown1.5K17:42PRO 11:2PRO 15:33PRO 16:18PRO 18:12PRO 22:4PRO 29:231CO 10:12JAS 4:6JAS 4:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility, teachability, and staying low before the Lord to avoid falling into moral failures or leading a double life. It highlights the need for genuine dependence on God's grace, prioritizing relationship with the Lord over ministry, maintaining open communication with one's spouse, and avoiding unhealthy patterns that can lead to destructive behaviors. The message underscores the significance of heeding warnings from God and being attentive to caution signs along the spiritual journey.
How to Comment Spiritual Suicide
By Charlie Orr1.5K43:44Suicide1SA 31:3PSA 127:1MAT 6:33JHN 15:5JAS 4:6In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of spiritual suicide and how it can lead to physical suicide. He uses the story of Saul from the book of 1 Samuel as an example. Saul was a handsome and gifted man who was anointed to be king of Israel. However, he squandered this opportunity and took steps towards spiritual suicide. The preacher outlines ten steps that Saul took, starting with unrepentant sin.
Spiritual Warfare - 2 "Resistance"
By Jim Logan1.5K1:04:00Spiritual WarfareMAT 4:11TI 5:2JAS 4:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of resisting temptation and standing against the attacks of the enemy. He uses the analogy of two missionaries finding a wallet with money in it to illustrate the difference between a righteous and unrighteous response to temptation. The speaker emphasizes the need for believers to identify their weak areas and find scriptural truths to combat those weaknesses. He also highlights the story of a young boy who resisted demonic forces and encourages believers to have childlike faith in standing against spiritual attacks. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the need for believers to rely on God's grace and armor to resist the unseen forces of evil.
New Covenant- Repentance & Heavenly Kingdom -1
By Zac Poonen1.4K10:13MAT 7:24MAT 18:3JHN 15:5ROM 6:141CO 1:302CO 12:9GAL 3:24HEB 12:2JAS 4:6This sermon delves into the concept of the New Covenant, highlighting the lack of understanding and living out of this covenant among many Christians. It emphasizes that the New Covenant is not merely about knowledge but about experiencing true life in Christ. Drawing parallels from the Garden of Eden, the sermon explains how choosing to decide for oneself what is good and evil leads to spiritual death, contrasting the principles of the law and grace. It underscores the importance of humble dependence on God, likening it to a child relying on a loving father for guidance and sustenance.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But he giveth more grace - Μειζονα χαριν, A greater benefit, than all the goods that the world can bestow; for he gives genuine happiness, and this the world cannot confer. May this be St. James' meaning? God resisteth the proud - Αντιτασσεται· Sets himself in battle array against him. Giveth grace unto the humble - The sure way to please God is to submit to the dispensation of his grace and providence; and when a man acknowledges him in all his ways, he will direct all his steps. The covetous man grasps at the shadow, and loses the substance.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But--"Nay, rather." he--God. giveth more grace--ever increasing grace; the farther ye depart from "envy" [BENGEL]. he saith--The same God who causes His spirit to dwell in believers (Jam 4:5), by the Spirit also speaks in Scripture. The quotation here is probably from Pro 3:34; as probably Pro 21:10 was generally referred to in Jam 4:5. In Hebrew it is "scorneth the scorners," namely, those who think "Scripture speaketh in vain." resisteth--literally, "setteth Himself in array against"; even as they, like Pharaoh, set themselves against Him. God repays sinners in their own coin. "Pride" is the mother of "envy" (Jam 4:5); it is peculiarly satanic, for by it Satan fell. the proud--The Greek means in derivation one who shows himself above his fellows, and so lifts himself against God. the humble--the unenvious, uncovetous, and unambitious as to the world. Contrast Jam 4:4.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But he giveth more grace,.... The Arabic version adds, "to us"; the Ethiopic version, "to you"; and the Syriac version reads the whole thus; "but our Lord gives more grace to us"; or "greater grace"; than the world can give, whose friendship is courted by men; the least measure of grace, of faith, and hope, and love, and of a spiritual knowledge of Christ, and interest in him, and of peace, joy, and comfort, is more worth than all the world, and everything in it: or greater grace, more favours than the saints are able to ask or think; so Solomon had more favours given him than he could think of asking for: or greater grace, and larger measures of it, even of spiritual light and knowledge, under the Gospel dispensation, than under the former dispensation; or where God bestows gifts qualifying for service and usefulness, and these are made use of and employed for such purposes, he gives more: or this may refer to internal grace wrought by the Spirit of God, in the hearts of his people; more of which he may be said to give, when he causes it to abound, as to its acts and exercises; when faith grows exceedingly, hope revives, and is lively, and abounds through his power and influence, and love to God and Christ, and one another, abounds yet more and more; when there is a growth in every grace, and in the knowledge of Christ Jesus, so that this grace becomes a well of living waters, springing up into eternal life, which at last will have its perfection in glory: wherefore he saith; either the Spirit that gives more grace, or the Scripture, or God in the Scripture, in Pro 3:34, God resisteth the proud: or scorns the scorners; he rejects them that trust in themselves that they are righteous, and despise others; that say, Stand by thyself, I am holier than thou; that are proud of themselves, their enjoyments, their gifts, their external righteousness, and holiness, and are full, and rich, and increased with goods, and stand in need of nothing; these he opposes, he sets himself against, he thrusts them away from him, he sends them away empty, and scatters them in the imagination of their own hearts; and in the things in which they deal proudly, he is above them; he sits in the heavens and laughs at them, and frustrates all their schemes: but he giveth grace unto the humble; who are sensible of their own vileness and meanness, and acknowledge it; who think the meanest of themselves, and the best of others; and do not envy the gifts and graces of God bestowed upon others, but rejoice at them; and ascribe all they have, and are, to the free grace of God; and ingenuously confess the deficiency of their duties, and the insufficiency of their righteousness to justify them before God; and that when they have done all they can, or are assisted to do, they are but unprofitable servants: now to these God gives grace; he not only gives grace at first, to make them humble, but he gives them more grace, or increases what he gives: grace is God's gift; he gives all the grace that is in Christ, and all the blessings of grace that are in the covenant, and all the grace that is in the hearts of his people; as faith, hope, love, repentance, humility, patience, self-denial, resignation to his will, and every degree of spiritual knowledge; and grace is only his gift; men cannot give it to themselves, nor can the best of men give it to others; not godly parents to their children; nor ministers to those to whom they preach; no, nor the angels in heaven; nor is it to be obtained by the works of men: it is a free gift; it is given of the sovereign will and good pleasure of God, to whom, and when, and in what measure he pleases; to which he is not induced by any motives in men, for they have nothing in them to move him to it; and it is given by him absolutely, without conditions, not suspending it till the performance of them; and he gives it cheerfully and not grudgingly, largely, bountifully, and in great abundance.