The evils that flow from yielding to concupiscence and being friends to this world. Admonitions against pride, detraction and the like.
4:1. From whence are wars and contentions among you? Are they not hence, from your concupiscences, which war in your members?
4:2. You covet, and have not: you kill and envy and cannot obtain. You contend and war, and you have not: because you ask not.
4:3. You ask and receive not: because you ask amiss, that you may consume it on your concupiscences.
4:4. Adulterers, know you not that the friendship of this world is the enemy of God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of this world becometh an enemy of God.
4:5. Or do you think that the scripture saith in vain: To envy doth the spirit covet which dwelleth in you?
4:6. But he giveth greater grace. Wherefore he saith: God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble.
4:7. Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil: and he will fly from you.
4:8. Draw nigh to God: and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners, and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
4:9. Be afflicted and mourn and weep: let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into sorrow.