Bible Strands
James 4:6
But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — James addresses believers who are quarreling with the world, rebuking their pride just before commanding them to submit to God (v. 7).
The words — μεῖζονα (meizona, "greater") is comparative: God does not merely give grace, He gives more of it, setting up the contrast with the proud who receive less.
The thread — The verse quotes Proverbs 3:34 nearly verbatim; the same principle appears in Matthew 23:12 and 1 Peter 5:5.
Why it lands — It removes the option of self-sufficiency: the reader must either stand in humility and receive grace or stand in pride and be opposed.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Cross-references
- Matthew 23:12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
- Proverbs 3:34 He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.
- 1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
- Psalms 138:6 Though the LORD is on high, He attends to the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar.
- Proverbs 18:12 Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
- Proverbs 29:23 A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
- Proverbs 6:16 There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him:
- Proverbs 22:4 The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life.
- Isaiah 2:11 The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.
- Job 22:29 When men are brought low and you say, ‘Lift them up!’ then He will save the lowly.