James 4:5,6 – “Testing the Spirit”

As always, here’s my fairly literal translation of these verses:

⁵Or do you suppose that the Scripture says emptily the spirit dwelling in us lusts toward envy? ⁶But He gives more grace, therefore it says, “God opposes proud ones but gives grace to humble ones.”

Verse 5 before us is something of an exegetical battleground for several reasons, of which the two biggest are that 1) the words as such don’t appear anywhere in the Scriptures and 2) one must decide which spirit is being discussed – His or ours. One can consult any decent commentary and read the various positions and their support.

Personally, I think it is consistent with the context to understand He is talking about our spirits. The words “The spirit dwelling in us lusts toward envy” are in the same vein with Gen 6:5, “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Some argue that nowhere else in the NT does a writer talk about our spirit as “the spirit dwelling in us” and that phrase in particular would more naturally refer to the Holy Spirit. However, as I have worked through the Greek text of this book I find it true that James has “odd” ways of saying a lot of things. The fact is this is the only book of the NT he wrote and he is a unique person who may express himself in unique ways. Also, it doesn’t bother me at all that the words, “The spirit dwelling in us lusts toward envy” don’t appear anywhere in the Scriptures. I think James is just saying, “The Bible tells us our spirit is rotten.” That statement doesn’t have to be made particularly anywhere. It is, of course, the general teaching of the entire Bible and can be supported from many passages.

The context, all the way back to 3:13 (at least) is comparing our spirit with His. In chapter 4, we’re probing the question of why our world is so marred by conflict. He tells us the problem is our rotten spirit, our selfish, lust-driven, greedy, envious spirits, then even calls us adulteresses. Since we’re inclined to think we’re “not so bad” He then throws in, “Or do you think the Scripture speaks emptily?” About what? About our spirits. And what does it say? That our spirit “lusts toward envy.” This seems, granted, another odd way of saying things, but I think James’ point is well taken. Our spirits are naturally drawn passionately toward evils like envy – the restless angry resentment that someone else might have “more” than us.

The fact is that is quite true and we’d do well to admit it.

This verse (and the rest of the Bible) is telling us our sinful inclination toward lust, envy, malice, and endless war is not an unfortunate choice we make. It is our very spirit. It is “the spirit dwelling in us.” If we would honestly accept this truth, then it becomes all the more apparent why contentment in the Lord Himself and love to Him and others is the only cure. There is no cause for strife if our heart is not “wanting” things, if it is content with what the Lord provides, and if our highest priority is to be loving Him and others. His Spirit is the only cure for our spirit!

We should note here, as Barnes points out, James’ clear intent is to move us “to the duty of honestly and unflinchingly considering what is the disposition of heart that underlies and reveals itself through our conduct.” Clear back in 3:13 he asked the question who is wise and understanding and then insisted, “Let him prove it by his life.” From that point on, he has said in different ways that our conduct will prove the true condition of our hearts. As Jesus said, “By their fruits you shall know them.” He’s calling us to “test our spirit.”

When we think we can call ourselves “religious” and yet our lives are marred by conflict and anger, we “suppose the Scriptures speak emptily.” We suppose they speak “in vain.” Of course the standard and immediate response will be, “Oh, I don’t do that.” But that response is a sure bet we do.

This is a point where none of us can search someone else’s heart. It is precisely this point where God calls us to search our own. It is here our “duty to honestly and unflinchingly consider what is the disposition of heart that underlies and reveals itself through our conduct.”

God help me to be honest who I am.