Continuing with James 1, Verse 9-17 in the King James Version. The language can seem antiquated to the modern ear and eye, but it has a particular poetry and gets easier to read the more times we read through it.
Verses 9-11 are a reminder that the things of this world are transitory.
Verse 12-15 are a caution to us that we will likely be tempted - whether it be by greed, by lust, by anger, or by own weaknesses. These temptations do not come from God, but originate from our own thoughts and desires - perhaps a good reminder that if we want to be good shepherds, we must shepherd and govern our own minds - stray thoughts will pass through our minds but we can turn those thoughts back to go.
Verses 16-17 are a promise, and a clarification - what God has in store for us, what God wants for us is perfect.
As often as I study the Bible I find myself coming to James again and again - there is a simplicity and a directness that can be powerful particularly in times of confusion.
9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.
11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.