because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Parallel translations
- WEB knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
- KJV Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
- NKJV knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
- NASB knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
- NLT For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The reason for joy in trials is that tested faith produces endurance. Difficulty refines and strengthens genuine faith.
Overview
James explains the basis for joy: testing exposes and strengthens authentic faith, yielding steadfast endurance. Like metal refined by fire, faith proven under pressure grows more resilient. Paul makes a similar point in Romans 5:3-4, showing this was common apostolic teaching about the formative purpose of suffering in the Christian life.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 13
- Rom 5:3–4Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
- Heb 10:36You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.
- Col 1:11being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully
- Rom 8:28And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
- 2 Cor 4:17For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.
- 1 Pet 1:7so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
- 2 Pet 1:6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;
- Rom 15:4For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.
- Heb 12:1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.
- Rom 8:25But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently.
- 2 Th 3:5May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.
- Rom 2:7To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.
- 2 Th 1:4That is why we boast among God’s churches about your perseverance and faith in the face of all the persecution and affliction you are enduring.
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Christ at the center
The wisdom from above and the royal law of love are the life of those who belong to 'our glorious Lord Jesus Christ' — faith in him made visible in works.
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Original language
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