But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
While it quotes Proverbs, James adds "But he gives more grace" before the proverb, highlighting that God's abundant grace is the reason the proverb is true and offers hope to those seeking it. This emphasizes that God's proactive generosity fuels the humble heart's ability to resist pride and draw near to Him.
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
James is addressing believers who are quarreling and fighting because of their selfish desires and envy. He's just condemned friendship with the world, explaining that it leads to hostility with God, and now he quotes Proverbs to emphasize that God actively opposes the proud but blesses those who are humble. This sets the stage for his exhortation in the following verses to submit to God, resist the devil, and draw near to Him.
Ever feel like you're battling against a strong current, struggling to make progress? James reminds us that God's favor isn't a limited resource; it's an abundant supply waiting for us.
James transitions from describing the destructive nature of envy and internal conflict to a powerful declaration: "But he gives more grace." This isn't just a small boost; it's an overflowing supply from God. This grace is specifically given to those who are humble.
What Does "More Grace" Mean?
Pride can feel like a quiet confidence, but Scripture paints a starkly different picture. When we're proud, we're not just unaware; we're actively opposing the very source of all good.
The verse starkly contrasts God's action towards the proud with His action towards the humble. "God opposes the proud" is a powerful statement. It means God sets Himself against them, actively resisting their endeavors and plans.
Why Does God Oppose the Proud?
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Understand the original words
charis · Greek Noun
The unmerited favor and divine enablement of God extended to humanity, particularly for salvation and sanctification. It is the active power of God working in the believer to live a life pleasing to Him.
hyperēphanos · Greek Adjective
A manifestation of self-exaltation and independence from God, characterized by an inflated opinion of one's own importance or abilities. It is considered the root of all sin, as it elevates the self above the Creator.
tapeinos · Greek Adjective
A lack of pride or arrogance, characterized by a willingness to submit to God's authority and recognize one's total dependence upon Him. It is the posture of a heart that acknowledges its need for God.
This is the primary Old Testament source for James's statement, directly contrasting God's opposition to the proud with His favor towards the humble.
1 Peter 5:5Peter also quotes this proverb, linking humility before God with resistance against the devil, reinforcing the idea that God empowers the humble.
Psalm 138:6This psalm echoes the theme, highlighting that God, though exalted, notices and favors the lowly, while being distant from the arrogant.
Matthew 23:12Jesus Himself teaches this principle, stating that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
barnesJames 4:6: "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
But he giveth more grace - The reference here is undoubtedly to God. Some have regarded this clause as a continuation of the quotation in the previous verse, but it is rather to be considered as a declaration of the apostle himself. The writer had just spoken of envy, and of the crimes which grew out of it. He thought of the wars and commotions of the earth, and of the various l…
clarkeJames 4:6: "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
But he giveth more grace - Μειζονα χαριν, A greater benefit, than all the goods that the world can bestow; for he gives genuine happiness, and this the world cannot confer. May this be St. James' meaning? God resisteth the proud - Αντιτασσεται· Sets himself in battle array against him. Giveth grace unto the humble - The sure way to please God is to submit to the dispensation of…
While it quotes Proverbs, James adds "But he gives more grace" before the proverb, highlighting that God's abundant grace is the reason the proverb is true and offers hope to those seeking it. This emphasizes that God's proactive generosity fuels the humble heart's ability to resist pride and draw near to Him.
James is addressing believers who are quarreling and fighting because of their selfish desires and envy. He's just condemned friendship with the world, explaining that it leads to hostility with God, and now he quotes Proverbs to emphasize that God actively opposes the proud but blesses those who are humble. This sets the stage for his exhortation in the following verses to submit to God, resist the devil, and draw near to Him.
James is addressing believers who are quarreling and fighting because of their selfish desires and envy. He's just condemned friendship with the world, explaining that it leads to hostility with God, and now he quotes Proverbs to emphasize that God actively opposes the proud but blesses those who are humble. This sets the stage for his exhortation in the following verses to submit to God, resist the devil, and draw near to Him.
"But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”" — While it quotes Proverbs, James adds "But he gives more grace" before the proverb, highlighting that God's abundant grace is the reason the proverb is true and offers hope to those seeking it. This…
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Last reviewed October 2026