James 4:6-10 (NIV)

6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”[a]
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Footnotes:

[a] James 4:6 Prov. 3:34

A recipe for a better spiritual life

1. Submit yourself to God
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. (v.6-7a)

2. Resist the devil
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (v.7b)

3. Draw near to God
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you (v.8a)

4. Clean up your life
Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded (v.8b)

5. Take God seriously
Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. (v.9)

6. Humble yourself
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. (v.10)