Finding Grace: A Reflection on James 4:6

Our verse this week is James 4:6, but knowing the context helps. In the first five verses James nails the awful consequences of our selfishness: fighting, the hollow prayers, the misplaced loves. He goes so far as to call us enemies of God because our desires have become our first love. It’s a convicting setup, but then comes the beauty of the gospel:

James 4:6 (CSB) ⁶ But he [God] gives greater grace. Therefore he says: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.^,

This is a paraphrase of two verses:

• Psalm 138:6 (CSB) ⁶ Though the Lord is exalted, he takes note of the humble; but he knows the haughty from a distance.
• Proverbs 3:35 (CSB) ³⁵ The wise will inherit honor, but he holds up fools to dishonor.

We are doomed—but God. God offers grace, a totally undeserved gift of joy, greater than all our sin, to those who trust in Him. If there ever was a reason for humility, this is it.

One of my favorite old hymns is Wonderful Grace of Jesus. When I hear it, I can still hear my dad’s baritone voice. Here is a link to one man singing all four parts acapella. Enjoy the harmony, and the fantastic words!