1 ¹² Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him. 1 ¹³ Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted with evil and he himself tempts no one; 1 ¹⁴ but each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 1 ¹⁵ Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin; and sin when it is full-grown brings forth death.

1 ¹⁶ Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 1 ¹⁷ Every good endowment and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 1 ¹⁸ Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.