7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. (James 4:7-10 KJV)
Humility Cures Worldliness
In the previous verse, pride was condemned. Therefore, we are called to submit fully to God: “Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). We must submit our minds to His truth, our wills to His will and providence—not out of fear, but faithful love. Resist worldly temptation—and the grace of God will uphold us. Stand firm with the armor of God, and the devil will flee.
True submission involves drawing near to God: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). Then cleanse our lives: “Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8-9). On the practical level, this means confessing sin, purifying motives, and directing our hearts—to please God rather than ourselves or the world.
James then calls for appropriate spiritual responses: “Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:9-10). Afflictions—and even community divisions—should lead to godly sorrow and humility, not defensiveness or pride. True humility before God results in restoration.
In conclusion, those who draw near to God in repentance and obedience will experience His mercy; the humble will be lifted up (James 4:10, 8). The Lord Himself taught, “Whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). Whether by lifting us out of suffering, restoring true joy, or granting heavenly honor, God honors humility. From the lowly and repentant, He raises up new life and lasting hope.