Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary James 4:6

"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore [the scripture] saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble." — James 4:6 (ASV)

The words “he gives us more grace” are taken from Pr 3:34, quoted later in this verse. The meaning of vv.4–6 is that God has set a high standard for wholehearted love and devotion on the part of his people as they resist the appeal of the world, but he gives grace that is greater than the rigorous demand he has made. This assurance is documented from Proverbs, the point of which is in the second clause. The reference to “the humble” (GK 5424) constitutes the theme for vv.7–10, where James pleads for submission to God. They should be the people who willingly submit to God’s desire for them rather than proudly insist on satisfying their own desires for pleasure (cf. vv.1–3).