4:5 What scripture is James quoting here and what does it mean?
4:5 What scripture is James quoting here and what does it mean?
James is not quoting a specific passage of scripture here; he is summarising general Old Testament teaching. Opinions vary among bible commentators as to the meaning of this verse, but it is not difficult to interpret if kept in context.
Many in the church believe that the spirit referred to is the Holy Spirit, but that is not correct; the Holy Spirit does not lust to envy - as the KJV puts it - or is filled with envious desires. In this context James is referring to man's own spirit, and what he is simply saying in V 5 is that the scriptures foresaw the anger, jealousy and rivalry believers caught up in evil desires would exhibit toward each other (CP V1-4).
The natural tendency of man's spirit is to hate God and his neighbour, and to desire the sinful pleasures of the world (CP Gen 6:5; 8:21; Pr 21:10; Ecc 9:3; Jer 17:9; Mk 7:21-23).
See also comments on Jas 4:1-4.
However, notwithstanding the natural tendency of man's spirit to hate God and his neighbour, and to desire the sinful pleasures of the world, God gives more grace in order to overcome their sins, to all who return to Him in true humility (CP Pr 3:34; Zech 1:3; Jas 4:6 with He 4:16).
See also comments on Ro 5:15.