Charles Spurgeon Commentary James 4:5-6

"Or think ye that the scripture speaketh in vain? Doth the spirit which he made to dwell in us long unto envying? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore [the scripture] saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble." — James 4:5-6 (ASV)

Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace.

There is a spirit, resident in the natural man, the human nature of man, which is always inclined toward hate and envy, always wanting to get something from other men, and always grieved if other men seem to be or to have more than the person himself has.

How is this spirit to be met? This verse supplies the answer, He giveth more grace. More grace, — this is the great remedy for hate and envy. More grace, — this is the balm for sorrow. More grace, — this is our greatest help out of all difficulties. More grace, — this is the universal recipe for all that we need: He giveth more grace.